HAMPSHIRE’S leader has slammed a landlord’s proposals to introduce new charges at a sheltered home for the elderly in Romsey.

Roy Perry who is head of Hampshire’s Tory led council has launched a stinging attack on Aster Communities which runs Wakeford Court where rebellious tenants have launched a petition calling on their landlord to bin its plans to introduce a £9.50 weekly charge for an “enhanced housing management scheme” next April.

Aster had told tenants that if they do not accept the proposed new service – which includes health and safety visits, equipment inspections, testing smoke alarms and organising day to day repairs they already pay for in current bills – they will help them with a move elsewhere.

But Mr Perry is disgusted by Aster’s stance.

He said: “I do not think it is at all reasonable of Aster to threaten the tenancies of current tenants who may not need this service. This strikes me as high handed and is no way to treat sitting tenants. Aster may have a case for changing the service and fee for new tenants but I am concerned with sitting tenants, who will certainly have tenancy rights and for those tenants, I think Aster should have a serious rethink.”

Continuing his attack on Aster Mr Perry added: I shall be asking the directors of Aster to explain themselves and reconsider their action. Hampshire County Council’s adult services will of course meet the care needs of our clients who meet our eligibility criteria. Also any tenants who receive housing benefit should be able to claim any extra charge for enhanced benefits, however that is not all tenants.”

Chairman of Wakeford Court’s tenants panel Peter Penrose said the all but six of the 39 tenants signed the petition calling on Aster to drop its plans to introduce the new charge.

He said only one person refused to sign the petition and another five were too ill.

Mr Penrose pointed out average bills will rise by nine per cent to £136 if Aster pushes ahead with its plans and this doesn’t include rent increase.

Aster claims the ‘enhanced housing management scheme’ is being brought in to replace its existing ‘floating support service’ which will be axed next April when financial support it receives from Hampshire County Council ends due to Government funding cutbacks to local authorities.

An Aster spokesman said: “We have asked customers (tenants) to give us their views on our proposals by November 14. We’ll carefully consider any feedback they provide before making a decision on whether the service will be introduced. No one has been threatened with eviction if they don’t agree to the proposed changes. We hope to advise customers on our decision by the end of November.”