A Beckenham pensioner is having to empty her pockets to search for extra cash after her housing association raised her service charge by more than 1,000 per cent with barely any notice.

Jean Marzetti, 75, received a letter on the last day of March from Hyde Housing Association informing her that her weekly service charge was being increased from £2.72 to £31.29 - effective April 4.

Mrs Marzetti lives in a one-bedroom flat in Rye Court on Blakeney Avenue, which she rents from the housing association.

Her son Richard Marzetti, 47, of Croxted Road, says: “This is a ridiculous situation for a pensioner to have to go through when money is tight enough as it is.

“Let alone that this is a ridiculous rise for a pensioner to have to stomach.

“Whilst my mother has complained to Hyde we have yet to receive a reply, being told that replies take 20 working days.”

Mrs Marzetti’s contract with the housing association states that they will give at least four weeks’ notice of any changes to services.

In a letter on 23 March, Hyde estimated the introduction of a scheme officer on site would add £10.28 to the weekly charge but the ultimate hike was only made known to Mrs Marzetti on March 31, four days before it came into effect.

Mrs Marzetti’s son said: “That doesn’t sound like 28 days’ notice!”

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A spokesman for Hyde Housing said: “We are concerned about any distress that the increase in service charges may have caused and would like to reassure residents that we will be in touch with them to discuss their individual needs in greater detail.

“The increase at Rye House follows consultation with residents, their relatives and other local stakeholders for the introduction of a new, targeted intensive housing management service that aims to provide services that address the needs of our residents.

“The majority of the residents at Rye House have agreed to an improved level of service which includes a dedicated scheme officer on site.

“We are committed to supporting residents to pay the charges and would urge individuals to remain in contact with us so that we can respond to their specific queries.”