MONMOUTH MP David Davies has condemned British Gas for its ‘appalling behaviour’ after continuing to threaten elderly tenants at a sheltered housing scheme in Chepstow with legal action over unpaid bills.
Residents at The Reddings in Bulwark have been receiving threatening disconnection letters and telemessages from the company for over six months, despite the fact they pay their bills centrally by their landlord – Monmouthshire County Council.
Mr Davies reported British Gas to Energywatch and was given an assurance that all future correspondence in relation to the individual accounts at The Reddings would be sent direct to Monmouthshire County Council. Residents would, therefore, not receive any further distressing letters.
He was also told that all the residents had been placed onto British Gas’ Priority Services Register and an ‘Extracare’ icon has been added to their accounts to identify the individual customers as vulnerable.
Despite this, at least three residents have received bills for between £150 and £190 in the last week alone, along with the usual warning about non-payment.
“The issue is not whether the council has paid the bill, which I am sure has been done, but that after so many promises British Gas are still writing to the individual tenants,” said Mr Davies.
“I understand Monmouthshire County Council has now switched suppliers, but I am appalled by the actions of British Gas and feel very strongly that they should not be allowed to behave in this way.
“These threatening notices are causing worry, tears and sleepless nights to many elderly residents and I have once again reported the company to Energywatch in the hope that this problem will be resolved once and for all.”