"CRUEL" councillors were forced to take advice from a senior officer over a decision to freeze the rents of sheltered housing tenants in Bromsgrove while a referendum is organised.

Bromsgrove District Council's Labour group leader, Cllr Peter McDonald (Uffdown and Waseley), called for the motion after tenants revealed they wanted to move a vote of no confidence against the authority.

This follows plans by the council to charge pensioners for the services they receive at the shelters by July -- currently, charges are covered by all council house rents.

But Bromsgrove District Tenants' Association claims residents in the complexes, some of which have wardens and community areas, already pay the price.

Last month, the association called for a referendum and other tenants are being consulted before a date is set.

At last Tuesday's full council meeting, Cllr McDonald asked for the sheltered housing tenants' rents to be frozen for three months.

District secretary Bob Lewis urged members not to, saying the housing revenue budget is at an unacceptable level to cover contingencies.

Mr Lewis told councillors: "You do not have the luxury to postpone implementing the increases."

Cllr McDonald said: "This council is cruel because it is hitting a vulnerable group in our society after already raising rents by 12 per cent last year and ten per cent this year."

Council leader Cllr Nick Psirides (Con, Norton) said the council was only acting on Labour Government legislation. Councillors voted against the motion.