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Despite anticipated increases in wholesale gas prices, Camden Council has vowed to freeze council tenants’ heating charges, along with service charges from 6 April, 2010.

The council has announced that it has reaped the benefits of being part of a bulk buying consortium and managed to buy gas at a more advantageous price, enabling the charges to be frozen for 2010/11.

Where service charges are concerned, tenants will not have to pay any more than they currently are for essential services including caretaking, grounds maintenance, CCTV, mobile security, estate lighting and concierge services. 

The service charge freeze has been made possible through efficiency savings made by the council, which are being passed on to residents.

Following consultation with tenants groups, and as a result of the lower gas prices, the executive has also agreed to refund £400,000 to tenants from the heating pool. Based on feedback from tenants, they will also put aside a further £400,000, to either refund tenants at a later date, or to reinvest in energy efficiency schemes. 

These could include installing new smart meters and individual heating controls in properties to give residents greater control over their heating.

Councillor Chris Naylor, executive member for homes and housing strategy, Camden Council, said: “We know that many residents are struggling financially at the moment. That’s why we’re working hard to make council services as efficient as possible – I’m pleased we’re able to pass this saving on to residents.”