Repair bills to be cut after meeting (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Repair bills to be cut after meeting

4:23pm Thursday 10th December 2009

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HOUSING chiefs have said they will slash the huge bills sent out to leaseholders.

The good news comes after last week’s meeting between MP Eric Pickles and Michael Irvine, chief executive of Newham Homes, to discuss the bills received by 62 leaseholders living on Brentwood’s East Ham estate.

The bills ranged from £14,000 to £49,000, and were for work on walls, communal doors and stairwells, lifts, windows, guttering and roofs.

Reporting on the meeting, Mr Pickles said: “It was really good and a number of things came out of it.

“A number of leaseholders are now going to get revised estimates – quite a bit is being knocked off.

“Newham has also promised to look again at its double glazing plans and whether newer windows need to be removed and replaced.”

He said in the cases where double glazing had already been removed unecessarily, Newham was considering giving leaseholders compensation.

The MP also said: “Newham will be sending out a clearer breakdown of the costs.”

In the case of 91-year-old resident Florrie Bourne, who was given an estimate for £49,000, part of which would go towards renovating shops below her flat – Mr Pickles said Newham Council could end up contributing towards these costs.

But the MP said he would not rest there.

He added: “There will be more meetings. I’m in this for the long haul. We’ve made quite a bit of progress, but it’s just the beginning.”

Michael Irvine, chief executive of Newham Homes, said: “Following consultation with Mr Pickles and leaseholders, Newham Homes has reviewed the range of works planned for four very unusual properties above shops.

“As a result we will aim to carry out a programme of repairs rather than renewals where appropriate.

“This means these leaseholders will receive a revised estimated bill which will significantly reduce their costs.

“Detailed letters will be sent out giving residents a full breakdown of the costs.

“Newham Homes has committed to review a number of other leaseholder issues.”

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