Heat is on Labour over massive fuel charge increases!

7.16.05am GMT Tue 8th Feb 2005

Labour Town Hall bosses are proposing to raise heating charges in 32 Blocks of Flats schemes by 30%, followed by another 10% in October, according to papers being considered by the Executive on Thursday. The average charge is proposed to increase from £3.25 per week to £4.64. A rise of 28% is proposed (15% in April, 13% in October) for 2 and 4 block properties, mostly in Moss Side and Longsight.

Opposition Leader Simon Ashley said today, "A moderate rise is unavoidable given the rise in price of fuel in the past year- but a 40% rise is totally unacceptable and unreasonable."

Housing Spokesperson Paul Shannon added,

"Our amendment to the HRA budget will keep the rise in heating costs to a reasonable level. There is no need to pass on all this rise to tenants this year when we have a budget surplus of over £1.5 million"

Councillor Simon Ashley

Leader Of The Opposition

Manchester City Council