A Gosport landlord has hit back at criticism by a government minister that he is being "unreasonable" to his tenants by hiking up their maintenance charges by 400 per cent.

As freeholder of Gosport's Rowner estate, Michael Baker-Harber, of Focushawk Ltd, said he was "appalled" by the accusations levied at him by government minister Nick Raynsford during a visit to the estate.

Mr Raynsford met residents who were angry with the massive increase in charges and said he was "shocked" by the steep rise given the "neglected" state of Rowner - thought to be one of the most deprived housing estates in the country.

As reported in the Daily Echo, he also spoke of his delight that the campaigners were challenging the rise, saying tenants had been presented with "wholly unreasonable demands".

Speaking to the Daily Echo Mr Baker-Harber said he was amazed at the claims.

He said: "I can't quite believe those claims have been made. I am thoroughly appalled by them and will be speaking to Mr Raynsford about what he said.

"We warned the residents of the estate a long time ago that some sort of provision for ongoing maintenance charges should be made in the form of contributing to a sinking fund.

"This was not done and now essential maintenance work needs to be carried out but they don't want to pay for it.

"We are just being responsible landlords but it seems the pigeon has to roost and the tenants don't like it.You can't get Rolls Royce facilities for Mini prices I'm afraid."

Residents of the estate's Nimrod precinct are fighting the demand by Focushawk to pay up to £3,700 per home in maintenance charges, compared to an average £500 they currently pay.

Tenants have vowed to take Focushawk to court although no date has yet been set for the hearing.