Hello Sunflower, what a shame, I think you are dealing with mindless officials who are not too bright. As you have no legal rights there I think your best hope is to deal with the numbskull who is now in charge. Ask him (politely) to come and see you. Explain your case, let him think it is all his idea. Get him on your side. Let him feel like Sir Gallahad (or Hadagall) and hopefully he will tell the people under him to leave it alone. Good luck.

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From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.