Coventry Residents Fearful Amid £1,000 Service Charge Increase

People in Coventry are really stressed out. Their service fees are going way up at Nauls Mill House. The increase is about £1,000 a year, which is a 160% jump planned by Citizen, expected to start in April.

Citizen says some won’t pay extra, including people on housing benefit or universal credit. However, residents disagree, thinking it hurts vulnerable people. They worry people might have to move out because they can’t afford the higher fees.

Residents want to stay nameless. One resident uses food banks and skips heating, and they’re very worried about the fee hike. Money is already tight for them right now, giving them sleepless nights.

Mental health problems are also happening, stemming from constant worry. The rise concerns many in their building. A senior citizen relies on a small pension and asked, “How will I pay?”

“I fear the future,” the person said. Another resident is sick and can’t work; extra costs due to illness also affect them. This resident worries about losing their home and thinks the service charge rise is huge.

A tenant works full time but makes little money. Extra support isn’t available to them. The charges are going up by £72 a month, a big increase along with other rises, including rent and council tax.

Past service charges rose with the rent, they noted. The government caps the rent, so it’s unclear how they justify the rise. Madeleine Nelson works at Citizen.

She said they know people are worried. The new charges cover essential services, including security, area maintenance, and utilities. Some people paid less before, she said.

Now, the charges will be fair and consistent. The average rise at Nauls Mill House is £22.05 weekly. Those with full housing benefit or Universal Credit can relax because this increase should be covered, she stated.

They may not need to pay more. Citizen offers money advice to people having trouble.