MP tells chief to 'take a hard look at position'

KEELEY KNOWLES

Patrick Hall, the representative for Bedford and Kempston, said a ‘hard look’ was needed at the overall performance of BPHA.

He was speaking after members of the association refused to attend a public meeting he had organised for residents to raise concerns about recently imposed huge service charge hikes.

Pensioners from sheltered accommodation in Bedford marched down to the meeting on Thursday in protest at the ‘baffling’ increases.

Mr Hall said that up until the day before the meeting the staff at the housing association had been reasonable and cooperative.

He said: “Then the Chief Executive, John Cross, although on holiday abroad, sought to force me to agree that a meeting about service charges which had already featured widely in the media should now take place behind closed doors.

“I find that totally unreasonable.


Deputy Mayor Charles Royden said there was a ‘lack of accountability’ at BPHA and said: If they don’t get out of their ivory tower and listen to people then we must make sure we are heard.” Many of the elderly residents say they will not be able to afford the rises.

Michael Harvey from Chandos Court, Bedford told the meeting: “We are the forgotten group but let’s stick together and be rent rebels.


“We remain committed to hearing the views of all residents who pay service charges and are making alternative arrangements to meet with them.

“This will allow us to hear their concerns and work with them to resolve any issues.”