Residents to pay maintenance fees

SERVICE charges to be introduced by First Choice Homes Oldham

RESIDENTS opposing the introduction of maintenance charges for communal areas of flats have lost their battle.

Following a consultation with residents from July 7 to August 4 First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) decided to introduce service charges despite opposition from residents.

The charges - ranging from 86p to £10 a week depending on the maintenance required - will be phased in over three years starting from November 7 with the full charge payable from April 2019.

The consultation ran as a result of the government's summer budget which announced a one per cent rent reduction each year for the next four years and saw FCHO unable to absorb the costs of providing communal maintenance.

Over 500 residents took part in the consultation over the charges which will contribute to the cost of lighting, cleaning, CCTV cameras and grounds upkeep.

The charges should be covered by housing benefit and those in receipt of universal credit.

In an overview of the consultation on its website FCHO said: "In July we wrote to customers living in our flatted homes about proposals to introduce service charges for services provided to the communal areas of their blocks.

"All affected customers were invited to consultation events held across the borough to find out more, ask questions and to give their feedback."

FCHO said: "478 customers attended these events and a further 32 sent emails.

"We answered individual questions and responded to issues raised following any outstanding issues after the sessions.

"We would like to thank all customers who provided invaluable feedback about the proposals, our services and about their homes and neighbourhoods."

FCHO added: "The FCHO board has considered the feedback received and has now made its decision. We are writing to formally give notice that their decision is to proceed to introducing service charges with effect from November 7 2016.

"The charge will be phased in over three years with the full charge payable from April 2019."