FAMILIES in a tower block have had their heating charges slashed while the council investigates why their bills are so much higher than their neighbours.

Everyone in the Liston Way tower block on the Orchard Estate in Woodford Green has been paying £15.52 a week for their heating since April.

But tenants living in neighbouring blocks were charged less and, despite investigating the matter, Redbridge Council has been unable to explain the discrepancy.

At an Area Two committee meeting last night (July 24), Deputy Leader of the council, Ian Bond, revealed Liston Way charges had been reduced to £12.21 a week to bring Liston Way into line with other blocks.

He said: “We (he and his fellow Liberal Democrat councillors in Roding Ward) are disappointed that the council still hasn’t got to the bottom of what the problem is with the charges in Liston Way.

“But we are pleased that they have agreed to reduce those charges while they continue to work on it.”

After the meeting he said it was possible residents would be asked to pay arrears if the council proved that the charges were justified, but added that he thought this outcome was unlikely.

Liston Way tenant Jim Brennan, 65, organised a petition to protest against the charges.

He said: "I am happy that the council have taken this action, but we will not let the matter rest.

"The other blocks are all paying £11.80, so we are still being asked for more.

"We will make sure that this is not just swept under the carpet and forgotten.

"The mistake still needs to be rectified and rebates made to everyone who has been made to pay these unfair charges."

Cllr Bond also told last night's meeting that positive discussions had been held with contractors over an £11 million energy saving scheme for the Orchard Estate.

Under the scheme blocks will be fitted with new cladding and windows and new heating systems will be introduced across the estate.

Cllr Bond said contractors would be visiting the estate next week and that work would start shortly after that.

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