Lambeth Homeowners Association has created a complaints letter for Lambeth’s service charge paying residents to use when emailing the housing minister, our local MP, and our councillors. This draft letter highlights the issues faced and calls for immediate action.
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Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
matthew.pennycook.mp@parliament.uk
MP for Streatham and Croydon North
steve.reed.mp@parliament.uk
Local Ward Councillors
latkins@lambeth.gov.uk
rchowdhury@lambeth.gov.uk
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Dear MPs/Councillors,
I am writing to urgently bring to your attention the serious and ongoing issues faced by leaseholders and service charge paying freeholders in Lambeth due to the council’s lack of transparency and accountability in managing service charges (day-to-day, S20 Major, and S20 Capital works bills). Many service charge paying homeowners, including myself, have been subjected to excessive and unreasonable service charges without adequate justification or supporting evidence from the council.
Additionally, there has been a failure to provide quality service during major works and a lack of transparency and accountability in managing charges and major works bills. For example, the council has refused to provide invoices and proof of payments to contractors, raising serious concerns about financial mismanagement. Furthermore, the contractors employed by the council often deliver poor-quality services, yet instead of holding them accountable, the council continues to defend them.
Many service charge paying homeowners have attempted to engage with Lambeth Council to seek clarity on these charges, but our emails and formal requests for information are consistently ignored. This blatant disregard for leaseholders’/service charge paying freeholders, rights is unacceptable and highlights a systemic failure in governance and accountability.
We, the leaseholders/service charge paying freeholders, of Lambeth, demand the following actions be taken:
1. Immediate transparency – The council must provide full disclosure of all service charge expenditures, including proof of payments made to contractors.
2. Accountability for poor service – An independent review of contractor performance and value for money must be conducted.
3. Fair service charges – An end to unjustified and excessive charges, with a proper breakdown provided to leaseholders.
4. Better communication – Leaseholders should not be ignored when raising legitimate concerns. The council must respond promptly and meaningfully to enquiries.
5. Independent oversight – A mechanism for leaseholders to challenge unfair charges without facing delays and obstruction from the council.
As an elected representative, I urge you to intervene and hold Lambeth Council accountable for these failures. Leaseholders deserve fair treatment, transparency, and quality service that reflects the money we are being charged. We ask you to support us in stopping service charge abuse and ensuring that Lambeth Council upholds its duty of care to residents.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further and look forward to your response.
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