Fury over insurance increase (From Penarth Times)

Fury over insurance increase

PENARTHIANS have voiced their disgust at an increase of more than 100 per cent in building insurance premiums to cover a shortfall in Vale council finances.

The Vale council housing department has introduced a new charge of 30 a quarter on building insurance premiums for households where the council holds the lease.

A note attached to a recent bill told council lease-holders: "Please be advised there has been a significant increase in the building insurance premiums that you are being charged.

"In order to avoid a shortfall at the end of this financial year, I would be grateful if you could please arrange to increase your quarterly payments by approximately 30.00. This is in addition to the total amount due on the attached quarterly bill."

Mary Todd of Salop House, Arcot Street, said: "I was flabbergasted when I saw the bill.

"I think it's extortionate to put up charges by such an enormous amount. I live in the real world and I understand that insurance is going up - but not by 100 per cent.

"It's not as if our properties are in danger of flooding or anything like that.

"Under the terms of the leasehold we are obliged to take out the insurance through the council, something which I have always been against.