I have asked today for councillors to get a report back on the new Council Gas Contracts which affect 760 buildings across the county. Changes to the contract mean that there are many community centres which could be facing a swinging increase in standing charges compared to if they went elsewhere for the supply.

For one centre I have already been able to find a deal over £1000 cheaper. It seems the contract the council has arranged may not be suitable for smaller properties but I am waiting for responses from officers. Once think is sure, with so many costs for community centres going up, this kind difference between what the council is getting charged and what I can find elsewhere is massive and if all councils and public sector organisations are on the same contracts across the North East – well could this be the next big Utility rip off?