Pub landlord's homelessness fears over bill hike

Trevor Howis saw his electricity bill increase from £400 a month on average to £4,000 in 2023

A tenant landlord of a Derbyshire pub says he is "desperately looking for somewhere to live" after a last-ditch attempt to negotiate his increased electricity bill failed.

Trevor Howis shut The Miners Arms in Brassington on 10 December after he found himself owing £40,000 in arrears to Valda Energy.

The debt stacked up after his bill leapt from £400 a month on average to £4,000 in 2023, and he continued to pay the original amount, believing the increased charge was a mistake.

The 59-year-old rang the energy firm on Friday to try to discuss the bill, but he was told the figure was correct and he must pay back the debt.

Trevor Howis and his partner Julie took on the pub more than three years ago

"For the first time in my life I am left with no home and no job, I've used everything I have to keep the pub running," said Mr Howis, who lives at the premises with his partner Julie and his 85-year-old mother.

"I'm hoping to find a home, then I can find a job to bring some income in and then I will be able to clear my debts."

A court order ruled that the energy company could switch off power to the pub on 16 December, but the 59-year-old has now been told he can stay while he looks for somewhere else to live.

He said the pub had been running fine and costs were manageable - even with a downturn in trade - but was stunned when the first £4,000 bill landed on his doormat.

The pub has been closed since 10 December

"I rang them and the operator even said it didn't look right," he claimed.

Mr Howis continued to pay £400 a month because he could not afford the higher charge, and thought the bills were incorrect.

He said he contacted the firm when he was in £12,000 of debt, but claims they did not reply "for months".

Mr Howis says he "only blames himself" for letting his debts rise and not walking away from the business sooner.

'Last resort'

But he added: "If they replied to me when I first contacted them, I could have sorted a payment plan where we could have been up to date with payments and we could have provided readings every week to get the price down."

A spokesperson for Valda Energy said: "At Valda, we pride ourselves on providing accurate and transparent billing, a high quality of customer service and a fair dispute resolution process.

"Disconnection is always a last resort. Our process involves sending multiple communications to the customer, providing plenty of opportunity to discuss payment plan solutions or alternative assistance.

"Our policy, clearly outlined in customer contracts, ensures fairness throughout the process. For customers with smart meters, reconnection is immediate once their account is brought up to date."

Mr Howis said he has now applied for housing through Derbyshire County Council and the Platform Housing Association.