CHI/43UF/LSC/2023/0075 — service charge decision
In CHI/43UF/LSC/2023/0075, decided 29 January 2024, the First-tier Tribunal considered 6 disputed service charge items at Flat 1, Castle Place, Castle Square, Bletchingley, Redhill, Surrey RH1 and found largely for the landlord: 0 items were reduced or disallowed. Full decision on GOV.UK below.
Property: Flat 1, Castle Place, Castle Square, Bletchingley, Redhill, Surrey RH1
Decision date: 29 January 2024
Full decision: Read on GOV.UK
Managing agent named in the decision: Mr Garry Pickard.
What was challenged and what the tribunal decided
| Item | Demanded | Allowed | Outcome | Grounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other charges (2020-21 to 2021-22) | £50,560.40 | £50,560.40 | Allowed in full | — |
| Management fees (2020-21 to 2021-22) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
| Buildings insurance (2020-21 to 2021-22) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
| Utilities (2020-21 to 2021-22) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
| Cleaning (2020-21 to 2021-22) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
| Gardening & grounds (2020-21 to 2021-22) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
Key passages (verbatim)
“We find the sum payable in respect of service charges is £50,560.40.”
“There is nothing within these sums or items which we believe is unreasonable as an item to be included or by amount.”
“Mr Schrijver expressly agreed with Insurance within the budget figures.”
“Mr Schrijver accepted Electric, Gas Supply, Water supply within the Estimates for each year.”
“Mr Schrijver accepted Cleaning within the Estimates for each year.”
“Mr Schrijver accepted Gardening within the Estimates for each year.”
“This situation is unacceptable and untenable. Mr Schrijver appeared to accept monies would need to be paid and it is for him to ensure he has funds to settle his indebtedness. A failure to do so will only impact upon the maintenance of the building as a whole which as he himself suggested may affect the capital values of the flats at the Property.”
“it is clear his defence to the service charges had little merit.”
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.