Work and Money

Dozens of pensioners have been protesting that charges for water, heat and electricity in their sheltered housing scheme have risen too high.

From 7 April 2008, many residents in housing owned by the Bethnal Green and Victoria Park Housing Association will have to pay £26 per week – For some, this £16 higher than they paid for utilities last year. For others, the rate increase is even steeper.

"No way am I going to pay," said one pensioner protesting at Hugh Platt House, "They can take me to court, they can do what they like."

Residents at Mandela House, William Guy Gardens and Rochester Court will also be affected by the rise.

Arrears to blame

Bethnal Green and Victoria Park Housing Association (BGVPHA) has blamed an unforeseen hike in fuel costs for part of the rise.

Marie Higginson blames the BGVPHA

A large part of the problem is also that the housing association received some of its invoices too late, which means that a proportion of last year’s energy costs have to be paid this year in arrears.

The housing association has agreed to meet £200,000 of these costs, with tenants paying the remainder. But many residents, particularly those who only moved into their homes this year, feel this is unfair.

A spokesperson for BGVPHA told BBC London: "The Association has committed to residents that it will do everything possible to keep down the cost of utility charges in future. We could see reductions at the next review in a year’s time."

The BGVPHA has also promised to appoint an energy consultant to see if any of the bills can be contested.

To hear the views of pensioners on their utility bill increases, click on the audio link at the top right of this page.

angela.saini@bbc.co.uk