What you're saying: 'Warm homes discount left me no better off', plus a glimpse of Alveley in a 1916 snapshot

Energy firms benefit most​

As a pensioner I was very pleased to be awarded the Warm Homes Discount of £150 which was paid directly to my electricity supplier. 

This amount was promptly credited to my account. 

However, I had naively assumed that the monthly direct debit payments would be suspended until this credit had been used up. 

The direct debit continued to take payments and I have not paid any less over the winter months whilst the energy supplier would appear to be sitting on a pot of cash.

Those energy customers who are in debt to their supplier will no doubt be relieved that they owe slightly less to their supplier.

But the main beneficiary of this scheme would very much appear to be the energy supplier.

John Costello, Wolverhampton

Can firm fill me in on water bill?

I would like to ask the CEO of South Staffs Water to explain: Why mine (and I assume all of my neighbours) bills have increased by a ridiculous c34% £25.50 to £34.37 per month. Even though my usage has not increased proportionately!

Do they have authority to increase bills by this amount in the current economic climate?

Why do we see leaks of water left seemingly unattended and wasting water for days and sometimes weeks. 

And this with the CEO of the parent company reportedly earning £500k+ pa including inefficiency bonuses (sorry efficiency).

Their brief explanation for the increase of "investing in improvements to our service and support" as the justification for the increase is very vague.

Trevor Blunt, Sedgley

Market tables are a let down

How was putting tables and benches in Dudley Market Place at the cost of £150,000 going to boost trade in Dudley? Will people be coming to see the pigeons and the pigeon poo?

I would like to know how it has cost that much and think the councillors have lost the plot and looking at Dudley through rose coloured spectacles.

Nora Bryan, Dudley

Hospices need to have support

I am sure hospices in our region welcome their latest grant awards. 

But I agree with your Fair Deal campaign to give them long-term funding. It seems incredible they do not have it already.

Scott Smith, Shifnal

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