Completed the RTM process to ensure the customers had the legal power to change spending and accounting decisions

Service charge review over all types of expenditure - to find out exactly where money was being badly spent; Arranged new suppliers where we felt was overcharged and stopped spending on areas we thought were unnecessary;

Created a new accounting system, to deliver regular accounts and deliver these directly to the customers - ensuring they understood where the money was being spent

A notice of intention was sent out in line with Section 20 legislation in 2017 with works planned for 2018. Lessees were made aware at an early stage that funds would be required for the project. The surveyors employed to managing the works, Blakeney Leigh, had experience of similar building repairs. They produced a suitable specification for the repairs and invited 3 specialist contractors to tender for the contract. As part of the section 20 process lessees were also invited to nominate any contractors.

Managed a separate account for services charges and for a reserve fund, which is permitted within the lease. Accounts are balanced using industry specific Qube management software and directors meet monthly to review these. There are currently no service charge arrears exceeding 30 days and the service charge accounts are in credit. All original invoices are made available to directors to view and no additional charges are added to invoices. The service charge budget is currently set at £178,700/year with insurances on top of this.

The Service charge is set in accordance with the lease on an annual basis in discussion with the Directors, based on previous years spending and any planned works.

The Estate has been fully managed by Jennings and Barrett since 2002. The Directors have a range of preferred contractors to carry out planned maintenance and to respond to repairs as required.

Section 20’s works carried out have included a full roof renewal programme completed in 2012, Exterior decorations carried out on a rolling basis of two blocks/year as per the terms of the lease and the installation of entryphone systems across the estate in 2015.

Site visits and meetings with directors are carried held formally every 6 weeks and also on an ad hoc basis as requested or where required.

We manage arrears in a robust manner and as at September 2018 there was just one service charge outstanding. This was being managed through our arrears process and action is taken where service charges are outstanding for more than 30 days.

We arrange buildings insurance for the estate and in order to ensure our RMC directors are protected also arrange the annual directors and officers insurance policy.