Hi Malcolm,
I would be inclined to go back to the council and have them set out clearly in a letter the new regulation they are referring to and explain to them that Alms-houses are not classified in the same way as “landlord” and tenants”. We also do not provide heating throughout the year and advise residents to use electric or oil heaters to make up any difference at their own expense.
There is a big financial difference between the heating being “available” and “twitched on” 24/7.