Service charge estimates
We have sent you a letter that sets out our estimates for your service charge payments for next year (1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024).
We have estimated the cost of this by looking at how much things cost over the last year, and factoring in things like the rate of inflation.
If you’re a homeowner or shared owner
We will write to you again to let you know the actual annual cost of your service charge in autumn 2023.
If our estimate is too low, we’ll charge you any additional money you owe us. You can get a refund if our estimate was too high.
If you’re a general needs tenant (social housing) or live in sheltered housing (over 55s)
Your service charge will increase by 7% from 1 April 2023.
In some cases, it may increase by more than 7% if we had to re-calculate your service charge – for example, higher than expected energy bill or for new services that we haven’t charged for yet.
The letter we sent you in March 2023 says how much your service charge has increased by. This amount is fixed. This means the amount you pay for the year won’t change after we’ve made our estimates, regardless of actual costs.
Paying your service charge
If you pay by Direct Debit
We will automatically update your Direct Debit from 1 April 2023 so you’re paying the correct amount.
You will receive a letter from Allpay confirming the new amount you’re paying – check it to make sure it’s correct. If the amount is incorrect, contact us.
If you don’t pay by Direct Debit
You must make sure you’re paying the correct amount from 1 April 2023.
Why your service charge estimate has increased
We are increasing your service charge estimate for several reasons.
Many of our estimated charges will be impacted by rising inflation, which has increased the cost of many services and materials. We have used the September 2022 rate of 10.1% as the basis for reviewing service charge estimates.
Estimated charges may also be impacted by recent increases in energy supply costs, something that we should all expect to continue into the future. These changes have been allowed for in our service charge reviews where necessary and will help to explain the basis of increased charges.
Contact us about your service charge
If you have any questions or want to dispute your service charge, the easiest way to get in touch is to complete our online form.
Contact us about your service charge
You must keep paying your service charge even if you’re disputing it.
If you’re struggling with payments
We can help you with:
• Making a budget.
• Managing debt.
• Grants and benefits you may be entitled to.
