RESIDENTS in Broomhill say they are frightened to turn their heating on as they struggle to afford a huge 112 per cent rise in charges imposed by Inverclyde's largest social landlord.

Greenock Telegraph: Broomhill residents hit out at hike rise

Vulnerable tenants living in Whinhill Court on Ann Street have spoken out about the impact of the astronomical hike, which was brought in out of the blue two months ago.

The Tele had revealed how the biomass district heating system at Broomhill, which has been ranked as the poorest neighbourhood in Scotland, would be the first place to be hit with big price rises.

Now, as the bills kick in, ward councillor Colin Jackson - who has slammed the increase and called out elected members sitting on the board for allowing it to happen - says he has been contacted by several people who cannot afford to pay.

With RCH bosses unable to rule out further hikes in the cost of their heating system, people in Broomhill are concerned there is more to come.

Greenock Telegraph: Broomhill residents hit out at hike rise

Pensioner William Knox, 73, who has mobility problems, said: "It is really worrying for us all. You used to put £30 on your card and it would last you most of the month.

"Now it is lasting two or three days, that is the what we are facing now. There are a lot of older people in here in their 80s and 90s and they can't just turn off their heating. They need their houses to be warm.

"People who didn't need help with heating before now need help. That is not right.

"What is it going to happen if they increase the prices again next year. How will we heat our homes then?

His neighbour Angela Hair, 65, who has a number of complex illnesses and has been living in Whinhill Court for 12 years, added: "We have all noticed the difference in the last month. Some of us can turn our heating down, but we can't live without hot water.

"We just can't afford it if they keep putting up prices. I am worried about next winter already. It is absolutely ridiculous, it is now costing me £25 or £30 every other day. We are all mostly on fixed incomes in here."

Councillor Jackson, along with Cllr Michael McCormick, has called on River Clyde Homes to listen to their tenants.

Mr Jackson has also slammed RCH board members Councillor Chris Curley and Councillor Graeme Brooks for agreeing to the rise. They have both defended the controversial decision and told the Tele that it was unavoidable.

Cllr Jackson said: "I have been contacted by a worrying number of tenants who are saying the just cannot afford this rise, that they simply do not have the money.

"Myself and Councillor McCormick are seriously concerned this rise will force many elderly and vulnerable people into fuel poverty.

"The pressure it puts on people and the affordability has not been considered by River Clyde Homes. There was no consultation.

"We have two Inverclyde councillors on the board and at no point did either consider contacting myself or Michael to tell us what they had in store for the people in Broomhill and Cartsdyke Court."

River Clyde Homes say they are helping the worst affected residents.

A spokesman said: “We recognise the concerns residents may have due to the rise in energy costs, and our staff are continuing to engage with customers who have contacted us directly, or via their councillor, to provide financial advice and support.

"Drop-in sessions have also been arranged which we would encourage customers to attend; if this is not possible, we can arrange a home visit.

"RCH have made considerable efforts to ensure district heating remains affordable. While we understand price increases are unwelcome, the revised charging basis remains highly favourable when compared to the current energy price cap.

"As with any housing provider or energy supplier, energy rates are set in response to wholesale costs and therefore cannot be guaranteed to remain static.”