Bracknell Residents Rally Against Housing Costs!

Residents in Bracknell have been told how to object to their housing association's application to pass redecoration and roofing costs to leaseholders. Abri took over duties from Silva Homes after their October 2023 merger and has applied to the First-tier Tribunal for dispensation.

A residents' group on Facebook "Abri Section 20ZA Dispensation Application - Leaseholders Group" is organising objections. The application is limited to dispensation only, so the Tribunal will not focus on whether the works were reasonable or payable. Those objecting must raise a 27A application and submit it with their objection.

The works are listed as Redecoration QLTA/QW and Roofing QLTA/QW. Claimants should check whether Silva followed required procedures, including the consultation process and the Notice of Intention and Notice of Proposals, and concentrate on the items Abri says were non-compliant. Objections should say which procedures were missed, how that affected you financially, what you would have done if procedures had been followed, and include evidence where possible.

Residents are also urged to rebut any of Abri's dispensation arguments. Abri's evidence is in the annexes. Members note that contractor invoices and Silva's payment certificates do not name the properties, so it is unclear how costs were matched to leaseholders.

The deadline for objections closes today (Monday, August 17), unless an extension has been agreed.

Mike Burnell, Group Homeowner Services Manager at Abri, said: "We are working hard to resolve issues relating to some legacy legal agreements that Abri inherited from Silva, which will be considered by the First-tier Tribunal."

"Affected customers can attend the tribunal hearing, and we will communicate the outcome and any next steps as soon as we are able to."

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter