Gloucester City Homes has put a pause on its freeholders estate services consultation.
In an updated statement, GCH said: “We will consult directly with those home owners who are beneficiaries of services provided by GCH later in the year, sharing an accurate estimate of what the individual charge would be linked to the services received.
We recognise that the letters received over the last few days are not sufficiently clear to provide enough information for a meaningful consultation and we offer our apologies for any worry caused.”
Gloucester News Centre was contacted by more than 30 residents across the city who had received a letter from GCH.
Letters have been sent freehold properties across Gloucester about proposed changes which could be implemented from April 1.
The properties were previously council houses that were bought under the Right to Buy scheme many years ago.
Anne Southern, Executive Director of Business Resources at GCH said: “GCH has sent letters to some freeholders across Gloucester, where we have identified that an estate service charge for the maintenance of nearby communal land has not been previously charged, relating to non-council land located near the properties.
Currently the costs associated with the delivery of services enjoyed by the occupants of all homes on a street or an estate, Including estate cleaning, landscaping, general maintenance, rubbish removal and management of fly-tipping, are funded solely by GCH tenants and leaseholders, in effect subsiding those services for homeowners. Our proposed approach, in line with common practice, looks at spreading the cost of services delivered across all households that benefit from them.”
Councillor Jeremy Hilton, who is the leader of Gloucester City Council, said he had been contacted by residents in his ward of Kingsholm expressing concerns about the proposed charges.
“This letter has come as a complete surprise to residents who are understandably concerned about these charges, and I share their frustration,” said Councillor Hilton.
“We need full transparency from Gloucester City Homes on how these costs have been calculated and why freeholders, particularly those not on GCH estates, are receiving these letters.
“I have been contacted by the owners of properties in Kingsholm who are baffled as to why they are being charged for services linked to GCH estates when their homes are not even on one.
“GCH must clarify the legal basis for these charges.
“The letter also states that homeowners will receive a further letter detailing the proposed charges – this will cause further anxiety while residents wait to find out how much they will be charged.
“Fly-tipping, rubbish removal, and estate cleaning are important services, but residents should only be charged if they are directly benefiting.
“Before these charges are imposed, GCH needs to provide clear justification. What specific services are being provided to each affected property, and how are the costs determined?
“It is unacceptable to introduce charges without full transparency and consultation.’
Gloucester MP, Alex McIntyre said he had today met with the Chief Executive of Gloucester City Homes to demand the withdrawal of their services charges consultation immediately.
Independent councillors have called an urgent community meeting in Matson this evening and encouraging those who received letters to attend.