Residents of a Cardiff estate have hit out at a "scandalous" rise in utility costs which has left some fearing they will be unable to feed themselves. People living in St Clements Court, an over-55s complex containing 34 flats in Pentwyn, were told their heating and water bill would increase more than fourfold from £9.99 to £41.83 a week.
Shortly before Christmas, the housing association Wales & West told tenants that in 2023 they would be blanket-charged the weekly figure — which is not eligible to be claimed on benefits — regardless of their own consumption. WalesOnline contacted the housing association and was told there was then a U-turn as Wales & West said it would bill residents on individual use after all.
But no indication has been given that the total amount to be paid across the estate will drop — and tenants have been left "distraught" and "terrified" according to resident Christine Foulkes. The 76-year-old said many of the tenants are disabled and vulnerable, including her 85-year-old neighbour who broke down in tears when she saw the paperwork. "The last years of the old girl's life are going to be worrying incessantly about how she's got to pay this money," said Mrs Foulkes. "It's not right."
