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Weston-super-Mare residents win service charge legal battle against housing association Curo
Overview
Nine families living in a shared ownership block of flats in Weston-super-Mare have successfully challenged a massive service charge increase by housing association Curo. Monthly fees had surged by over 300 percent from around £70 to more than £300, largely to increase the building's sinking fund for maintenance and fire safety. Following tribunal action, Curo agreed to cap the charge at just over £100 and reimburse excess payments made by the residents.
Key points
- Nine families in Weston-super-Mare faced service charge increases from about £70 to over £300 a month.
- Housing provider Curo agreed to limit the monthly charge to just over £100 after residents took the case to a tribunal.
- Affected residents will be reimbursed for the excess charges they have already paid.
- Curo stated the increased charges were primarily intended to build up a sinking fund for long-term building costs and safety measures.
- Other residents, such as Samantha Young in Bath, are also facing steep service charge increases and seeking resolution through the ombudsman.