LON/00BK/LSC/2023/0128 — service charge decision
In LON/00BK/LSC/2023/0128, decided 20 October 2023, the First-tier Tribunal considered 7 disputed service charge items at Flat O Welford House 114 Shirland Road, London and found largely for the landlord: 1 item was reduced or disallowed. Full decision on GOV.UK below.
Property: Flat O Welford House 114 Shirland Road, London
Decision date: 20 October 2023
Full decision: Read on GOV.UK
Managing agent named in the decision: Croker Clifford LLP.
What was challenged and what the tribunal decided
| Item | Demanded | Allowed | Outcome | Grounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other charges (2021) | — | £1,516.57 | Allowed in full | — |
| Management fees (2021) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2021) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
| Buildings insurance (2022) | — | — | Allowed in full | — |
| Other charges (2022) | — | £1,594.48 | Reduced | Apportionment error |
| Other charges (2023) | £1,922 | £1,922 | Allowed in full | — |
| Major works (2023) | £1,541.37 | £1,541.37 | Allowed in full | — |
Key passages (verbatim)
“it determined that an amount of £1,516.57 was payable for the service charge year ending 31 December 2021.”
“the management fees, at £500 plus VAT were on the high side. The building had a difficult service charge history and the owners wanted a good service and were prepared to pay for that.”
“the tribunal first considered the RTM company costs and whether these were recoverable. It accepted that as they were costs associated with the management of the residential areas, they were recoverable and so should be included in the service charge.”
“the broker was required to seek other quotations and so was satisfied that this was a competitive premium.”
“The tribunal therefore determines that the amount payable by the Respondent in respect of the service charge year ending on 31 December 2022 is £1,594.48, being the sum of £821.28 and £773.20.”
“The tribunal therefore determines that the amount payable by the Respondent on account in respect of the service charge year ending on 31 December 2023 is £1,922, being the sum of £972.59 and £949.41.”
“Prior to the hearing, the tribunal raised with the Applicant concerns as to the documentation provided and whether it was sufficient to allow it to make a determination.”
“Mr Croker explained that it was as a consequence of a circa £200,000 claim for a flood in 2021, although no evidence was provided in relation to this.”
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.