PENSIONERS who feared losing their homes because of a hike in their bills have been offered a lifeline in the form of a heating rebate.

Platform Housing bosses appear to have made a U-turn on plans to increase the price they charge residents at Bilford Court after a story featured in Worcester News in April.

Pensioners were left feeling stressed and anxious when they faced an increase of £300 due to a rise in service charges.

Resident Michael Payne, had been paying £607.04 for a one-bedroom flat at Bilford Court, Southdown Road, off Bilford Road, for 18 months. 

Platform Housing planned to increase how much they charged at the sheltered housing for rent and bills. This meant Mr Payne would now need to pay £941.16. 

The was a backlash against the decision and many residents even signed a petition.

Senior members of staff from Platform Housing subsequently held a meeting with residents and families.

Worcester News: FAMILY: Lisa, Michael and Lee PayneFAMILY: Lisa, Michael and Lee Payne (Image: Lisa Payne)

Although residents are still paying the same rent, they will be able to get £108 back on their heating bill thanks to a government scheme.

However, the scheme has not yet started.

Lisa Payne, Mr Payne's daughter, said: "We are chuffed. It was the newspaper and the fact that we all kicked off. 

Mrs Payne, owner of Retreat Health and Beauty salon, said: "We are hoping we'll start to see the money back in July. 

"We're pleased with the outcome meeting, we made them know we are not going to take this lying down.

"But they told us straight away that each individual flat will get £108 back on their heating bill.

"And we couldn't believe it, we wanted to be heard and everyone went into the meeting very negative so the outcome was a really big shock."

Although Mrs Payne said there are a lot of people who still won't be able to afford the new rent price.

Worcester News: PLEASED: Mick and Lisa PaynePLEASED: Mick and Lisa Payne (Image: Lisa Payne)

"My dad has me fighting for him, but not everyone has that, so there are still a lot of anxieties in there.

"Some people are still going to be struggling and it is causing stress and anxiety.

"But everyone was pleased and they felt like they had got a lot of what they wanted.

"£108 is a lot of money." 

Michael Bruce, director of platform hub and income management at Platform Housing Group said: "We are pleased to be able to help our customers in this way. 

"For those who are still struggling, we will work with them on an individual basis to support them, along with the help and expertise of our Successful Tenancies Team."