Samantha Walker, 52, said: “We feel claustrophobic and anxious. It’s shocking.

“We are now carrying around a wee electric heater from room to room for Molly, our daughter who has special needs as she needs to be warm, and in this day and age you shouldn’t have to do this.

“When we bought this house we were told it was affordable housing and affordable heating and it is not.

“If we can’t get this sorted then we are going to take them to court. They can’t get away with what they are doing.”

Angela Stevenson, who lives in a two bedroom flat on another Places for People development at The Green in Longstone, said her bills would rise from £80 a month to £400.

“I’m beyond angry,” she said.

“We are going to fight this.”

A Places for People Scotland spokeswoman said it had frozen the tariff at the lower rate while it reviewed customer concerns.

“After a thorough and careful review, we can confirm that the new heat tariff procured at the end of last year was based on expert advice and reflects the market conditions at the time.”

She said the previous long-term fixed tariff had meant customers had paid less than other people in recent years.

“The new prices are more reflective of the current market following the end of the previous contract,” she said.

“We would never want to see anyone struggle to meet costs and will continue to offer tailored support.”

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