RESIDENTS at a retirement complex in Romsey are calling on the housing association that runs it to start attending residents’ meetings again so that it can explain ‘mystery’ personal charges that have left them out of pocket. 

A ‘personal charge’ was introduced in March 2020 for residents of Wakeford Court in Cressey Road. However residents were left scratching their heads as to what the new charge covered. 

When housing association Aster Group was asked, residents say they were not able to give a clear answer. Now, two years on, staff are still not able to explain what the charge is for, leaving pensioners such as Peter Penrose fuming. 

He said that residents were told that the charge would be explained at the next residents’ meeting, but that is yet to take place.

Peter said: “Personal charges was introduced in the preceding months before Covid lockdown on March 23. In February 2020 we attended our last residents’ meeting and many tenants asked what was the personal charge was for and the Aster chairperson refused to answer saying she didn’t know but would have an answer for the next meeting.

“We are still waiting for the next meeting even though our MP Caroline Nokes has requested Aster to return the monthly meetings.”
The news also follows an increase in rent, which along with the general rising cost of living, has worried residents further. Residents have been made to pay extra rent since April 4, which Aster says is in line with current rates of inflation.  

Cllr Nik Daas, Test Valley Borough Councillor, said: “This increase by Aster Housing is on such a scale that elderly residents are going to have to make very difficult decisions on where they place their money. Further to this, what is even worse is the fact that the personal charges Aster have added cannot even be explained. 

"There are a number of issues I am taking up with Aster as they are letting down residents on a daily basis and it is completely unacceptable for a housing provider.”

An Aster Group spokesperson said that personal charges were individual to each customer and cover services such as heating, water and alarms installed their home.

They said: “Over the last two years we’ve followed strict health and safety measures due to Covid-19, which has meant that we’ve not been able to hold residents’ meetings with large groups of customers. Instead, we’ve kept in touch with customers on a one-to-one basis and shared regular newsletters to keep them updated about their scheme.

“From this month customers can join regular drop-in sessions at Wakeford Court.

READ MORE: Romsey resident speaks of 'disgraceful' rent increases by Aster Group at Wakeford Court

“We’d encourage all customers to get in touch on 0333 400 8222 if they have any questions about their tenancy.”

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