Tenants’ heating bills to rise 15 per cent

COUNCIL tenants living in properties with communal heating systems are facing a 15 per cent rise in heating bills.

First Choice Homes Oldham, which manages Oldham Council’s housing stock, has written to 188 leaseholders in such properties informing them of the increase in their charges from April 1.

Housing chiefs say the charges have not increased since last April and rises in fuel costs have to be passed on.

Lower wholesale gas prices have brought reductions elsewhere. Last month, British Gas cut its gas price by 10 per cent, with other companies following suit with smaller reductions. But the firm had raised gas prices by a record 35 per cent in 2008, with other companies lifting prices by more than 20 per cent.

Council cabinet member for community services and housing, Councillor John McCann, said: “Leaseholders have not been charged for any increases in heating charges since their last annual bill in April, 2008. However, within the last financial year there have been two increases in fuel costs, in April, 2008 and November, 2008.

“Leaseholder heating charges are prepared 30 days in advance of April and, as we bill annually, we have been unable to pass these increases on until the new financial year.

“We need to pass on the full increase in charges to leaseholders, an annual rise of 15.762 per cent from April 1, 2009.

“The increased charges will only apply to heating supplied from April 1. Leaseholders will not be charged retrospectively for the increase in costs of heating used before this date.”

All leaseholders affected will have received a letter informing them. Any requiring further clarification or advice can contact the Home Ownership Services Team on 0161-770 4927/4808.