Millions of children worldwide have been left disappointed this Christmas after Santa refused to deliver their presents because of a 'breach of terms and conditions'. The legally binding terms and conditions were amended last year after Santa's operating costs soared with compensation payments made for delivery damage, breaking and entering, and hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of parking tickets from London alone.
The changes saw Father Christmas refusing to deliver to houses where the chimney did not meet the minimum acceptable width and no alternative means of entry was highlighted. Others to miss out were those without suitable and legal parking provision, people in areas considered dangerous for delivery drivers and properties without the correct level of public liability insurance.
Santa has faced a massive backlash from customers who claim they were never informed of the changes, an accusation denied by the Lapland based Saint. 'Last year we wrote to all customers to inform them of the amendments. It was clearly written in small print on the back of the wrapping paper used on your 'main present'' he told us. 'It stated that by sending a letter to me this year, you were agreeing to the new Ts and Cs which included giving me the right to sell your details to other trusted religious holiday gift bearers'.
Father of three, Jon Stevens, told us his family's Christmas has been ruined. 'My eldest has been so excited about getting his new iPad, so you can imagine his disappointment at not receiving it just because we had a dog loose. I think my wife was also gutted about not getting her 'traditional' bunch of flowers with the BP price label still attached, but she hides it very, very well.' He also accuses 'Saint Nick' of adding further insult by leaving a card saying undelivered presents could be collected in person from the North Pole Sorting Office
An inquiry has now been set up to see if all this upset and disappointment could have been prevented. Details have emerged the the BBC pulled an investigation into the changes that could have made people aware of the problem back in October. However acting Director General of the corporation defended the decision not to proceed.
'I was shown details of the investigation on my first day in this position' he admitted. 'But when I saw the report was about a man who's spent years creeping into children's bedrooms at night, showering them with sweets and gifts, I realised I could do a lot with £400,000.'
