CHI/29UL/LSC/2023/0110 — service charge decision
In CHI/29UL/LSC/2023/0110, decided 8 July 2024, the First-tier Tribunal considered 3 disputed service charge items at Olivia Court, Hythe, Kent and found largely for the landlord: 0 items were reduced or disallowed. Full decision on GOV.UK below.
Property: Olivia Court, Hythe, Kent
Decision date: 8 July 2024
Full decision: Read on GOV.UK
Managing agent named in the decision: Bamptons Management Ltd.
What was challenged and what the tribunal decided
| Item | Demanded | Allowed | Outcome | Grounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buildings insurance (2022) | £8,851.24 | £8,851.24 | Allowed in full | — |
| Buildings insurance (2023) | £20,720 | £20,720 | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2022) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
Section 20C order: refused.
Key passages (verbatim)
“The Tribunal finds the insurance costs for 2022 year provided by Allianz at £8851.24 and Allied World for 2023 year at £20,750 are payable.”
“The Tribunal finds the insurance costs for 2022 year provided by Allianz at £8851.24 and Allied World for 2023 year at £20,750 are payable.”
“The Tribunal stresses the test is not one of reasonableness but one of rationality, and on this basis the Tribunal determines the portion of 1/24 is not irrational and should be used in the determination of the service charge apportionment.”
“The Tribunal however having examined the fees note that the solicitors costs are in excess of what is set out in the Solicitors Guideline Hourly rates last published 4 January 2024, where a Grade A national rate is £278 per hour and a Grade D is £134 per hour, whereas those used in the Cost Schedule are £325 and £175 respectively. These rates are approximately 18% in excess of the guideline rates which are so adjusted.”
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.