CAM/00KF/LIS/2023/0016 — service charge decision
In CAM/00KF/LIS/2023/0016, decided 13 March 2026, the First-tier Tribunal considered 10 disputed service charge items at Flats 2, 6 & 9 Warrior House, 42-82 Southchurch Road, Southend on Sea, Essex and found largely for the landlord: 1 item was reduced or disallowed. Full decision on GOV.UK below.
Property: Flats 2, 6 & 9 Warrior House, 42-82 Southchurch Road, Southend on Sea, Essex
Decision date: 13 March 2026
Full decision: Read on GOV.UK
Managing agent named in the decision: Sorrell Property.
What was challenged and what the tribunal decided
| Item | Demanded | Allowed | Outcome | Grounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staffing & concierge (2019-2024) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2019-2024) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
| Management fees (2019) | £855 | £855 | Allowed in full | — |
| Management fees (2019-2024) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
| Legal & professional costs (2019-2024) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2019) | £24 | £24 | Allowed in full | — |
| Buildings insurance (2019-2024) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
| Buildings insurance (2019-2024) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
| Legal & professional costs (2020) | £3,480 | £0 | Disallowed entirely | Not payable under the lease |
| Legal & professional costs (2024) | £1,548 | £1,548 | Allowed in full | — |
Section 20C order: refused.
Key passages (verbatim)
“The tribunal determines that the leasehold provisions provide for the employment of a caretaker, the factual context establishes that it is reasonable to do so, and the cost of doing so is reasonable.”
“The tribunal determines that the charges in respect of the caretaker's mobile phone are reasonable and are payable in the sums recharged.”
“This is clearly an invoice rendered by Messrs Sorrells as described and is payable pursuant to the leasehold provisions relied upon by the respondent.”
“The tribunal considers that the charge of £20,000 + VAT per annum which is the same for each of the accounting years relevant to this application is reasonable for the service being provided to this building.”
“The tribunal determines that the accountancy charge is reasonable and payable in the sum recharged.”
“The tribunal determines that the postal cost is reasonable and payable in the sum recharged.”
“The tribunal apologies to the parties for the delay in providing this decision. The delay is caused by the judicial member who has had repeated and lengthy medical absences from work since the hearing of this matter. The fault is his alone and is not that of the valuer member or of the tribunal administration and support colleagues.”
“The tribunal would remind the respondent that current best practice advises that miscellaneous items are clearly identified in the account process.”
This summary is assembled from the structured record of the published decision; amounts appear only where the tribunal stated them. Always rely on the full decision itself.