A 76-year-old from Lancashire says she fears eviction after a sheltered housing association has imposed an ‘absurd’ rent increase.

June Roebuck and another resident, Geoff Strachan, of Towneley House and Park House, are battling with Onward Homes over the rent increase and organised a meeting with the association on Thursday (March 23).

Onward Homes' rent increase is capped in line to the government which is seven per cent, going £68 to £73.72.

The housing association has almost doubled its service charge from £55 to £105, so June’s monthly payment is now almost £700.

The housing provider said it understands rising costs are challenging and it has dedicated financial teams to support tenants who have concerns.

More than 50 residents filed letters of objection to Onward and many turned up to meet with the association’s representatives on Thursday.

It follows concerns raised in Hyndburn after similar increases occurred at Merlin Court in Oswaldtwistle.

However, despite June and Geoff efforts, the pair said the meeting was pointless.

June said: “We had the meeting but nothing has come out of it.

"The two reps said they can’t reduce the increase but if we have any questions they will get back to us.

“They are not listening to our concerns so we are fighting for the vulnerable residents who can’t.

"A lot of people here have dementia or different disabilities, so they’re screwing everyone.

“People are going to be made homeless if they can’t afford to pay and on top of everything else increasing in this climate, we can’t see how they’re justifying it.

"There's a lot of people who won't be able to understand the charges so they need all the help they can get.

“I shouldn’t have to be worrying about how I’m going to pay my bills at my age. My incoming pensions will hardly cover this rent.

"It isn’t fair and we are not being listened to. I need to do everything I can to stop this, and be a voice for those who can’t.”

Geoff added: “We attended this meeting today fighting on behalf of all the residents here.

"Every chair was packed but it’s such a shame Onward don’t seem to be listening.

“We’ve sent 50 letters to Onward and they’ve ignored every one of them.

"Our rent will increase from April and it’s too late to try and do anything about it because they’ve been using delay tactics. It’s ridiculous.”

Another Onward Homes resident living in Church, has spoken out about the charges increase. Hazel Houghton said: "It's disgusting isn't it. I can't even understand how they are charging us because we're all getting different amounts.

"It's just shocking, they can't expect us to be able to afford this when everything else is going up too."

Geoff said Onward have responded to Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans on this issue but "more needs to be done to protect older and vulnerable residents from the harsh effects of the cost-of-living crisis".

Ribble Valley MP, Nigel Evans said: “I am unhappy with what seems to be a colossal increase in rent from Onward Homes. I have been in contact with them to ask why there has been such a rise and where it has come from.

"The rise is completely out of the control of those residents paying, and I believe that Onward Homes should reconsider their position on this matter.”

A spokesperson for Onward said:“We understand that the rising cost of living is challenging and are here to help to anyone that is concerned about increased costs.

"Our dedicated Financial Inclusion Team provides free, confidential advice for those that need additional support around managing their finances.

“The team works with customers to understand their individual needs and ensure they walk away with a comprehensive package of support.

"This ranges from guidance around budgeting and re-negotiating debts, help with identifying benefit entitlements or supporting with appeals where applications are refused.

"We can also identify grants that customers might be eligible for and help them to apply for these.

“Ahead of the service charge changes, we contacted customers with higher increases to explain the changes and understand where additional support might be needed.

"Our Financial Inclusion Team is here to listen to anyone that is concerned and supports hundreds of customers every year.

"We would encourage anyone that is worried about their finances to get in touch and would also like to reiterate that no one will lose their home as a result of hardship where they are working with us to make payments.”