Pembroke House residents fear future as costs rise by over £4k

Pembroke House, at 5 Fisherton Street, houses 38 flats for those over 55 and is owned by social housing provider Stonewater.

The annual price review, which looks at the rent and other costs including energy, has been completed and it will make residents pay thousands more annually to carry on living in their homes.

The government has capped social housing rent increases for 2023-24 at seven per cent but Stonewater said supported housing is excluded from this which is why residents are seeing rent increases of 11.1 per cent.

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James Munro has lived in Pembroke House for seven years and said he has "got to get out, no ifs or buts".

From April 3, the 78-year-old's costs will go up by around £4,500 annually, which he claims he "cannot afford".

He added: "People just don't know what to do.

"I will have to pay the existing rent and a contribution towards the increase, it would be foolish not to pay anything."

James Munro, a resident at Pembroke House, is worried he will have to move out. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Stonewater said it would not subsidise or absorb any proportion of rent, service charges or energy increases as it would 'further limit its ability to deliver services and provide new homes'.

To combat inevitable rises due to the cost of living crisis, state benefits are increasing by 10.1 per cent from April.

Dorothy King, 98, is one of the oldest residents and has lived in Pembroke House for 23 years.

She said: "It worries me. The council helps me at the moment but I don't know what will happen."

Dorothy King inside Pembroke House. (Image: Salisbury Journal)

Director of housing operations David Lockerman, at Stonewater, said: "We absolutely stand with customers over these concerns.

"We do not make a penny of profit from service or energy charges and are committed to ensuring that no customer should ever be at risk of losing their home because of energy debt.

"We will always support anyone struggling to find workable solutions."

Salisbury City councillor Annie Riddle said: "These poor residents have been put in an appalling position.

"I spoke to one of them on Friday and was told there are elderly ladies crying their eyes out. One told me she wished she could go to sleep and not wake up.

"I immediately alerted John Glen and the leader of Wiltshire Council, and I am delighted that both have responded so promptly." 

The Journal understands that both Mr Glen and Wiltshire Council are investigating the issue.