HOMEOWNERS who have bought council houses are being discriminated against in Cinderford.
In areas such as Hilldean, previous council houses that have been bought by the tenants that live there are being charged more money to rent a garage than people who still rent their houses from the council.
When the garages were owned by the Forest of Dean District Council, homeowners and tenants paid the same amount of money. However, since Two Rivers have taken over from the council, they charge homeowners more money a week than tenants.
In my opinion, this is discrimination and I do not understand why this is happening. Homeowners' rights to equality and anti-discrimination are being hindered. I do not see that if you own your house you should have to pay more money than people who still rent their houses from the council.– Name and address supplied.
•Two Rivers replies: "The basic rent charged for garages is the same for private householders and tenants however as Mr Bluett is a private homeowner we have no choice legally but to charge VAT which could account for the discrepancy he has picked up on. Housing tenants do not have to pay this as garages are considered part of tenancy agreements and are therefore exempt from VAT."