PENSIONERS fear they will have to move out of their homes as they face 'astronomical' rent increases from Platform Housing.
Michael Payne, has been paying £607.04 for a one-bedroom flat at Bilford Court, Southdown Road, off Bilford Road, for 18 months.
However, Platform Housing has increased the rent at the sheltered housing and Mr Payne will now be expected to pay £941.16.
Platform Housing said it has been forced to raise the rent due to a rise in service charges.
He receives a state pension of £869.
Mr Payne also has some money from DWP and a small pension from Webbs Garden Centre after working there for 45 years.
His daughter Lisa Payne said she has never seen her 72-year-old dad so happy living after moving into Bilford Court.
Mrs Payne, a self-employed beauty therapist, said the rent increase has caused the family to worry.
"My dad loves it there and we've never seen him this happy, but the rent has gone up by an astronomical amount.
"He's left with nothing each month, and it is causing him a great deal of stress and anxiety each month."
Residents have signed a petition calling the new rent "totally unreasonable" and "impossible" for some people to afford.
Mrs Payne said: "We are just really upset and angry, we all are - but I'll do everything I can.
"A lot of dad's friends don't have a representative, some don't understand what is happening and can't use the internet.
"My dad just hands the paperwork to me and says 'Princess can you sort it' and of course I will but it's stressful for me and my brother.
READ MORE: Chelmsford Court mystery knocker upsetting vulnerable people
"I don't think Platform will do anything about it."
Michael Bruce, director of Platform Hub and income management, said he was sorry to hear of the customers' concerns.
He said: "It is the rise in service charges - due to the cost of living crisis - which has caused the majority of the increase.
"We have a team who are able to offer support to ensure customers are receiving all the income available to them and we can assist with applications for the Energy Bills Support scheme.
"We also have a Wellbeing Fund that is available to all our customers."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel