Kings Tamerton Community Centre saved from closure

A long-standing Plymouth community hub has been rescued from financial collapse after Plymouth Moor View MP Fred Thomas helped Kings Tamerton Community Centre recover £76,000 in overcharged energy bills.

The centre, a focal point for local residents, hosts bingo, entertainment nights, coffee mornings, and runs a community bar. But in 2018, the future of the facility was thrown into doubt when energy supplier EDF contacted the team with a revised bill for £80,000, claiming the electricity meter had not functioned properly since 2011. The bill, based on estimated usage, left the centre facing an unexpected financial burden.

Despite numerous attempts to challenge the charges, EDF maintained the centre was liable, putting it on a payment plan in addition to regular monthly bills. By June 2025, the centre still owed £29,000 and was on the verge of closure.

The matter was escalated to Mr Thomas by Labour councillors Josh McCarty and Jon Dingle, after the centre contacted them for help. The MP pressed EDF to review the charges under Ofgem’s back billing legislation, which limits how far energy companies can pursue retrospective payments when faults are discovered.

After sustained pressure from Mr Thomas and his team, EDF finally agreed to apply the regulations, writing off the charges and putting the centre’s account £50,000 in credit.

Reacting to the result, Fred Thomas MP said:

“I am just over the moon for Jessica, Steve, and the whole team at Kings Tamerton Community Centre.

It was clear to me that EDF had acted poorly in this matter – the error should have been recognised and rectified earlier, rather than punishing a much-loved community centre for something they could do nothing about.

The team at Kings Tamerton Community Centre do such a brilliant job, and the last few months have been a really stressful time for them, but now they can get on with focusing on what they do best!

I’m looking forward to popping in to celebrate properly with the team soon.”

Steve Anniss, Bar Chairperson at the centre, said:

“The committee and members of the Kings Tamerton Community Centre would like to thank Mr. Fred Thomas and his team for the help that they have given us by dealing with our energy provider.

They have saved the club from certain closure and ensured that we will be able to carry on serving the community for a long time to come.

Special thanks go to his team – Jon, Josh and Chelsea for meeting us and contacting the provider, and resolving the problem so quickly to rid us of a debt that has been hanging over us for 7 years.”

“The bar committee have spent two years trying to deal with this and we and the rest of the community can now benefit from and enjoy the Centre again.”

Local councillors welcomed the result as an example of effective collaboration between representatives.

Cllr Josh McCarty, Labour councillor for St Budeaux ward, said:

“This centre is a lifeline for so many residents and this outcome ensures it can continue serving local people without the burden of impossible costs.

This is a clear example of what can be accomplished when local Labour councillors and MPs work together with determination and a shared commitment to the people we represent."

Cllr Jon Dingle, also representing St Budeaux, added:

"I’m very happy that by working together with Fred and his team we have been able to help this vital community resource to keep operating by getting these costs squashed.

Dedicated community spaces are at a premium so we must do whatever we can to safeguard them going forward."

The outcome means Kings Tamerton Community Centre can continue to serve residents without the looming threat of closure, marking a significant victory for community activism and political advocacy.