about your estimated service charges

Here we hope to answer some of the most common questions we get asked about the service charge estimates. Please check our contacts page if you do need to get in touch with us.

How are the estimated charges calculated?

They are mostly based on the actual costs for 2011/2012 and the latest information about our anticipated costs in 2013/2014.

Why are the charges only estimates?

This is because you have to pay the service charges in advance under the terms of your lease. It means they have to be estimates, because the invoice must be raised before any costs have been incurred.

How do I pay?

The lease says you should pay quarterly in advance, but the Council allows people to pay in up to 10 monthly instalments by Direct Debit. If you already pay by Direct Debit we will automatically set up a 10 month plan for you. If you do not want us to do this please contact us by 18 March 2013.

If you haven’t set up a direct debit yet but want to do so you can complete the Direct Debit form enclosed with your invoice and send it back to us in the freepost reply envelope provided.

When are the actual charges produced?

This Estimated Service Charge is for the financial year 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014. The actual costs of providing the services are calculated when the Council issues the final accounts after the end of each financial year (in April/May). So your Actual Service Charge (and your Certificate of Actual Service Charges) for the financial year 2013/2014 will be sent to you in August 2014.

So next year's Certificate will show any adjustment to your charges for the year 2013/14. The actual cost is either higher or lower than the original estimate. If it is higher than the estimate we will send you an invoice with the Certificate. If it is lower, we will credit the difference to your account.

Why are there sometimes different charges for similar flats?

There can be a number of reasons for this. One is that the service and/or amenities provided vary from block to block. Also the lease states how your charges should be calculated based on the size of your flat by the number of bedrooms or the rateable value.

What happens if I don’t get a service?

  • You should write to us and we will investigate the non provision of the service with the team who is responsible for the provision of the service.
  • The Tenancy Management Team, Estate Services Team or Repairs Team will inform us where a service or work has not been undertaken.
  • A record will be kept of this information and when the actual costs are calculated, the appropriate reduction will be made. A reduction will be made at the same time your annual certificate is issued.

What services are provided to my block/estate?

A breakdown of your Yearly Estimated Service Charges and Ground Rent 2012/2013 is enclosed. This lists the services provided to your building and your estate.

Do I get any other information about services provided to my block/estate?

Download our Estimated Service Charges 2013/14 booklet Adobe PDF for further information.

You can also check your copy of the Actual Service Charges 2011/12 booklet below which we sent in October 2012. It has more information on this (please refer pages 10 -13). You may also want to refer to your copy of the Leaseholders' Charter.

What help can I receive to pay my service charges?

The Council cannot help people on a low income with the payment of their service charges. If you are currently receiving income support, you may be eligible for some assistance. Your local Jobcentre Plus office can help find out what you may be entitled to.

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

The CAB provides advice to those having difficulties paying their service charges. The CAB also helps people understand how to prioritise their debts, and maximise their benefits with respect to major works invoices. If you are having payment difficulties, you can also contact us to help you make an appointment with a local CAB adviser.

 

This page belongs to the following categories :
- Housing