Social Tenants across the city have been served a notice of increases to their social rent which included an unexpected item. A charge for “communal area electricity” has been added to their rents despite the charge never having been applied to some previously. The letter seems to have been sent to some social tenants living in a flat, despite some not having access to any communal area.
Birmingham City Council have responded to Birmingham Local Conservative councillors escalating the issue with a statement explaining that a small number of tenants have incorrectly received a notice of charges which should not be applicable to them. A process has been put in place to rectify the issue which asks tenants to call 01212163030, email [email protected], or visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/calcuaterent and make the council aware that they believe they have received an incorrect notice of upcoming charges.
Cllr Kerry Brewer (Con, Bartley Green), said:
“This has been particularly confusing for residents right across the City. Residents normally have notice of an upcoming increase in charges like this, but in these cases where letters have been sent out by accident, tenants have been taken totally by surprise. In addition, this has flagged some discrepancies about the services different tenants are paying for so we’re chasing that up too. I’ve sought clarification on the cause of these incorrect charges and the council has issued a statement in response. I will be in touch with Bartley tenants as soon as possible to offer any help needed.”
Cllr Ken Wood (Con, Sutton Walmley and Minworth), Shadow Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, added:
“Having escalated the matter with the Housing Department at Birmingham City Council, we understand that they are aware that some residents have incorrectly received a letter stating new charges are being added onto their social rents for ‘communal area electricity’. The Council have told us that residents who have received these letters can get in touch with them on 0121 216 3030 to check if they should have received that letter. We’re grateful to the officers who have acted quickly today to set this up and hope that those tenants who have received this letter incorrectly can be reassured that they are able to highlight this and have the Council make the necessary adjustments.”
