Hackney Housing: Major Works

I've been contacted by several residents recently from Crondall Court and Crondall Street. Hackney Housing have been undertaking major works on blocks all over Hoxton, and charging leaseholders for this.

Now repairing the blocks is good news, especially after so many years of neglect under Labour. But the way that Hackney Housing is treating local people shows up all that is bad about the Labour party. It's actually very sad - what should be good news is managed so badly that it turns out to be a nightmare.

Imagine how you would feel if you suddenly got a bill for £10,000 or £20,000? If Hackney Housing said there was a 30 day consultation period but then ignored all your letters and then started work on day 31? If you got letters demanding you pay up-front? If they failed to explain what the work was for in any meaningful level of detail? If your neighbours got bills for different amounts but without any proper explanation. Well this is happening to many (hundreds?) of people across the borough.

Now don't get me wrong, it is only correct that leaseholders should pay their share and I don't want to see the council taxpayer subsidising anyone. But there is a real concern that this isn't fair at all. Fortunately, there is a way to fight back, but you have to act quickly:

- get together as a group, make sure all the leaseholders in a block act together and appoint a spokesperson for you all
- object in writing, within the 30 day period.
- send all letters as recorded delivery
- appoint your own surveyor (this may cost a few thousand pounds, but if you share this between you it won't be so much, and will be worth it).

I am only touching the tip of the iceberg here, there is a lot more useful information from the Hackney Freeholders and Leaseholders Forum here, or get in touch with me directly.