Service Charge Increases Leaseholders and Social Housing Tenants 2023-03-27
2023-03-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Significant increases in service charges are affecting leaseholders and social housing tenants, causing financial strain.
I am concerned about significant increases in service charges for leaseholders and social housing tenants. Can the government take steps to help tackle these issues?
Service charges must be reasonable and works and services must be of a reasonable standard. We will empower leaseholders by legislating, so that service charges are more transparent. We are encouraging registered providers of social housing to limit service charge increases for social housing tenants to 7% or less.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about legislative steps and timelines was not fully addressed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
One constituent's service charge will increase from £15.18 per week to £127.74, a significant rise adding over £5,800 annually to their cost of living.
My constituents are facing drastic increases in service charges for housing association properties despite rent caps. One constituent's charge will increase from £15.18 to £127.74 per week. How can these large service charge rises be addressed?
Service charges are payable only to the extent that the costs have been reasonably incurred. If constituents believe costs have not been reasonably incurred, they can go to the housing ombudsman or challenge leasehold service charges through the first-tier tribunal.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific ask about support for struggling tenants was not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents in Hyndburn and Haslingden are facing rent caps below inflation but still experiencing up to 11% increases in service charges, straining their finances.
Resident of Hyndburn and Haslingden face rent caps but also increases in service charges. Can the government set out what support is available for those who cannot afford these combined rises?
The Treasury has provided a £37 billion package at the autumn statement followed by an additional £26 billion. Service charges should be reasonable, reflecting costs and providing access to the ombudsman.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about support for combined rent and service charge increases was not fully addressed
Response accuracy