Lambeth Council tenants fear eviction over unpaid heating bills
- Published
Some council residents in south London say they fear being evicted because they cannot pay their energy bills.
The Lambeth Council tenants, who have communal heating systems, say they have seen rising bills regardless of how much they use.
Communal heat networks used in blocks of flats are not subject to the Ofgem price cap and residents are unable to turn it off or switch suppliers.
The council said eviction would only be used as "a last resort".
Heating costs are added to the tenant's service charge, so many have technically fallen behind on rent.
The council added it had a "responsibility to recover rent and service charges" but aimed to "establish a sensible payment arrangement that aligns with their affordability and can be paid over a more extended period".
Some people are trying to cut costs by not eating, BBC London was told.
Kirsty Oliveira, who has lived in her flat in Wedgewood House for more than 20 years said their bills had gone up by nearly £300 a month.
"I've got people who have told me they're not eating because they tried to make sure that their children are eating.
"I've got people who are telling me that they have taken out loans and paid on credit cards because they are terrified of getting into arrears, because people think they will be evicted," Ms Oliveira said.
Another Lambeth resident, John, lives in Macintosh Court sheltered accommodation in Streatham.
He and about 40 fellow residents are refusing to pay their communal heating bills and face legal action.
"The majority of people on our estate have got health problems," he said. "The average age of people here is between 80 and 85, and a lot of them don't understand this.
"They've never ever been behind with their rent. We've got to shield them from this."
Lambeth Council said residents who had received letters needed to contact the rents team to discuss their account and be directed to further support.
In a statement the council said: "We have a responsibility to recover rent and service charges, in line with the tenancy agreements.
"Our aim is to establish a sensible payment arrangement that aligns with their affordability and can be paid over a more extended period.
"We also have many support and advice partners and our own in-house tenancy support team to help residents where possible through this challenging period."
