2023-14 Actual Service Charge Increases


Several residents have reported that they have received Actual Service Charge bills for 2023-24 that are substantially higher than the estimates.

The primary reason for this appears to be an increase in buildings insurance premiums. This is due to Southwark Council failing to find a new provider before the previous policy lapsed. As a result, Southwark Council has referred itself to the Residential Property Tribunal to consider how their contract complies with the leasehold consultation regulations.

See https://www.southwark.gov.uk/housing/homeowners/leaseholders/building-insurance/new-provider-and-price-increase for further information about the increased insurance premiums.

Leaseholders unhappy with their Service Charge bills should make a complaint to Southwark Council. It is recommended that any leaseholders intending to preserve the right to dispute an invoice indicate to Southwark Council that they are making the payment “under protest.” A template for this purpose is provided by LEASE: