A PENSIONER has slammed a housing association for an "extortionate" rent hike at her sheltered accommodation.

 Patricia Shea, 71, lives in sheltered accommodation at The Poplars, in Worcester Road in Wychbold.

Her rent has risen by over £300 from last year, which Mrs Shea believes is an unfair increase.

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She said: "I am really not happy about it, I feel it is extortionate to charge so much.

"Last year the rent was £745.90 per month and as of April 1, it has been raised to £1065.62.

"I receive housing benefits and a normal pension, but where I was paying £65.97 a month from the subsidised bill, I am now paying £212.94."

The Poplars consists of 18 self-contained one-bedroom apartments, suitable for couples or single applicants.

Mrs Shea said: "My husband passed away two years ago so I live on my own in sheltered accommodation, and this is just an awful lot of money to have to pay.

 "I want Platform to reverse this somehow because it just seems like far too much to have to find every month.

"I saw they recently changed their minds on plans to increase the price they charge residents at Bilford Court so I want them to do the same here."

READ MORE: Bilford Court residents rent decreases after U-turn on price hike

Pensioners at Bilford Court, also maintained by Platform Housing, were left feeling stressed and anxious when they faced an increase of £300 due to a rise in service charges, but the plans were changed, with Michael Bruce, director of platform hub and income management at Platform Housing Group, saying "we are pleased to be able to help our customers in this way."

Sarah Sutton, director of new customers and specialist housing at Platform Housing Group said she understands the concern of customers but the housing association is also facing increased costs.

She said: “Platform, like other housing providers, is experiencing exceptional utility cost rises at our schemes, which we understand is concerning for our customers.  If any of our customers would like help, support or information about these increases, we would urge them to contact us directly to discuss their own personal circumstances.”

Platform Housing is are one of the largest housing associations in the Midlands, owning and managing over 47,000 homes.