Appeal for a 25% Permanent Reduction in Reserve Fund contribution by GMV Leaseholders

I fully agree. My service charge has shot up mainly due to the huge increase in reserve funds. I fully agree with the petition that reserve fund contributions are discretionary and should definitely be reduced, especially when many of us are struggling with paying other essential expenses.

Since buying my 2-bed flat in Maurer Court from new in 2008 , the service charge has increased from £3000 to over £10,000 per annum, I have complained constantly about these ridiculously high levels of service charge but to no avail. , now it is beyond a joke. . All we have is a concierge there are no other facilities which could go part way to explain these ridiculously inflated charges, such as a gym, or swimming pool. Other riverside blocks with these ‘extras ‘ pay half what I do! In addition the insurance is not fit for purpose as it does not cover alternative accomodation or lost rent in the event of a disaster such as fire causing the block to be inhabitable. It is usually a standard inclusion in all block policies . I even spoke to gallaghers the brokers to ask for the quotes they received as I wanted more transparency in inpolicy costs as was concerned Aviva the freeholder was also our insurer ant that we were paying extortionate rates for an inadequate policy , unfortunately his only response was that he did not have to speak to me as a resident . Which made me even more suspicious. I have been an owner of a flat in Wigan that was uninhabitable due to a fire in the block and the policy paid all alternative accomodation costs or lost rent for 18 months until the refurb was complete. We are now completely stuck, we can’t sell the flats as we do not have the fire safety certificate an and no idea of when the safety works will be done , and who would want to buy one anyway with such extortionate service charges .

3 years ago Featured

Out of cotroll the service charges. You need to have additional loan to pay the service charges. Require a immediate reduction and affordable service charge program in place. Block is a only 1 floor. Not a high rise building. How could the service charge be ££3400 p/a.

Since R@R took over it’s been a continuous rip off for appalling service and total arrogance. I’ve seen the cost quadruple in 5 years. Madness

We let them get away for long time

This incredible is not justifiable

The service charges have become unaffordable. Hope you will seriously consider to bring the costs down significantly

All effort should be done to bring service charge down even more than 25%. Service standard is questionable. The looming economic crisis, clashing issues causing mortgage and insurance pain and increase in cost of living are huge financial challenges for many of us. Would be more than happy to participate in any form. Thank you for taking this initiative. -Soumya

Fully support the 25%reduction petition. Thank you for taking this initiative. The looming economic crisis, increase in cost of leaving, cladding issues adding to mortgage costs have already been a huge financial burden for many of us. On top of that the service we get from the agency are questionable. All effort should be taken to reduce the service charges as much as possible. Thanks, soumya

3 years ago Featured

The role of Randell and Ritner in my view is highly over valued and presents a significant cost to the service charge. I am not aware a tender of their services has been conducted for several years (unusual in itself and possibly down to the lack of resource to conduct such a task?), which presents an opportunity to do so now to try and reduce the costs they bring to our service charge.

Absolutely insane for what is done around

no need for such large Reserves

This service charge is higher than far more expensive flats across the city, it is absurd.

I would suggest it is more than 25%, until it is determined exactly what the reserve fund is going to be used towards

We are in agreement with this request

I stand by this petition as the quarterly payments are too high for what we get at GMV

Ridiculously high

R&R must understand that such a large increase is unaffordable.

The increase in charges is undoubtedly questionable for the standard of service delivered. It is hardtime for everyone and this increase is exorbitant.

3 years ago Featured

I also add that the standard of service delivered is questionable at best - communal windows are not cleaned regularly, planting is not maintained around the building, car park lights aren’t working, costs aren’t considered when teams of workers are unnecessarily deployed on golf carts to do one man jobs, and the general sense of a management team that cares and goes above and beyond to deliver and communicate is lacking. For such an extortionate charge I expect a gold standard service and wonder what legal proceedings we can or should initiate to end this fraught situation.