Residents of Byker Estate are frustrated as the council won’t subsidize their high heating bills, despite promises of potential decreases.
Newcastle: Residents on the Byker Estate are feeling the heat, literally. They’re paying over £200 a month for heating, and the council isn’t stepping in to help. Many locals are upset about the high costs from the district heat network, which provides heating and hot water but charges a flat rate. One homeowner saw her bill jump from £108 to £213!
This week, Vicky McDermott, the city housing boss, told a pensioner named Roberta that bills might drop next year due to falling gas prices. But she also warned that the council can’t guarantee lower costs and won’t subsidize the heating bills. Roberta, who lives with her husband and granddaughter, is frustrated. She feels the council’s response doesn’t really address the issue.
She pointed out that homeowners like her are paying double what tenants in social housing pay. It just doesn’t seem fair. Ms. McDermott mentioned that the council doesn’t profit from the heat network charges, but that hasn’t eased Roberta’s concerns.
Another council member, Paula Maines, echoed that they can’t promise lower bills. She explained that while gas prices are dropping, they can’t predict future costs. Plus, there are new regulations coming from Ofgem that could affect prices. They just can’t expect taxpayers to cover these heating costs.
Roberta and others are looking for answers. They want to know why they’re paying so much more. Meanwhile, Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, has been invited to Newcastle to discuss these issues. Local leaders hope he’ll help find solutions for the outdated heating system.
In a positive twist, Newcastle is teaming up with Helsinki to learn about reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They’re hoping to improve their district heating systems and make things better for residents. It’s a tough situation, but there’s hope for change.
