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Lady on the front page, the price her rent is going up is disgraceful. Carlton Drive, Retirement Home. Going up £100 a week.

Barbara Stevens ● 11d10 Comments

This appears to be Housing Authority for Wandsworth, for people over  60yrs. Social Housing Association.

Barbara Stevens ● 10d

I rang the Department this morning, a very nice man said, if anybody is worried or feels they need to ring them please do. They will try to help. Some people in the flats Oak House are already on a Registered Rent if they have been there a long time. Otherwise all they can do is try to help them or give them some advice.

Barbara Stevens ● 10d

If they ring this number 03000 502 502 VOA Rent Officer Functions, Wycliffe House, Green Lane, Durham, DH1 3UW. Amount for any fuel charges included in the rent that Housing Benefit cannot pay for. If you think you may need help with your rent, please contact  your Housing Benefit Office. think the Rent office can put you in contact with the Tribunal, or start proceedings.

Barbara Stevens ● 10d

It also seems that a high percentage of the increase is heating  hot water and electricity which will not be covered by a rent tribunal.

Andy Pike ● 10d

Many hurdles to jump to get to tribunal. Does existing tenancy agreement allow for annual increases, or reviews? Is the property in disrepair. Has a section 13 notice been served and what does it say? Is it correct? and many other points.It's not just a matter of rocking up at a tribubal you need to do some detailed work to set out your case. Cant just say it's unfair, even though it may be.The landlord will probably dispute any claim and will no doubt be lawyered up.

Andy Pike ● 10d

They should also try the Rent Tribunal if it is affecting a few of them in the Building.

Barbara Stevens ● 11d

All large buildings should be being looked at re their use of energy and where and when energy can be made.  I believe it is now part of Business Rates assessments.  A building for the elderly you would expect to have good insulation.  I remember seeing a revamp of some Council flats some time ago where the lifts were run by solar energy.  There are batteries nowadays for storage of energy so it is not a case of only being able to use lifts when the sun shines!  Solar panels are more effective  and cheaper than they once were although batteries are still expensive.  Lifts use a lot of electricity and tend to be a communal expense rather than an individual flat owner's one.Fuel prices will have increased for all those who are not off-grid. 

Philippa Bond ● 11d

A shocking increase.It looks like the kind of building that could be providing its own electricity and possibly heating.The government over the last decade or two should have been focusing on helping large buildings take advantage of new technology.Shocking lack of planning. We should be asking politicians & government what their 5, 10, 15 year plan is when we can barely get them to think beyond the end of the week!

Ed Robinson ● 11d

Very large amount to pay.

Barbara Stevens ● 11d

It is a big increase but it's not just rent  it includes electricity and service charges. But it's generally in line with private sector across the board. Depending on a residents financial position the rent element may qualify for housing benefit.

Andy Pike ● 11d