Flat owners in Weston-super-Mare are challenging their housing association in a tribunal after their service charges surged unexpectedly from £7 to £270 overnight. Residents of Combe Lodge, a Victorian villa converted into flats in 2016, had been paying just £6.67 per month into a sinking fund for building repairs. Now, that monthly contribution has rocketed to £273.01, causing financial distress among leaseholders.
Combe Lodge is owned by housing association Curo, which issued an apology for the “shock” increase but maintained that repair and upgrade costs are an inherent part of homeownership. However, many residents argue that the sudden hike has rendered their once affordable housing unaffordable.
One shared ownership resident shared their frustration: “What was intended to be an accessible and stable first home has instead become a financial burden.” Another tenant revealed the strain had pushed them into overdraft, adding, “I have lost sleep at night due to the worry and distress.”
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Disagreements have arisen over what the charges cover. Residents say Curo initially assured them that fire safety works would not be charged, but the housing association clarified that the waiver only applied to loft fire stopping. The current costs relate specifically to fire doors throughout the building.
In response, affected flat owners are taking Curo to the first-tier tribunal. They seek a ruling that the charges are unreasonable and not payable, and they want to prevent Curo from passing their legal costs onto leaseholders.
Alan Rice, Lead Representative for Weston Housing AcTion, criticized Curo’s approach: “We gave Curo every opportunity to do the right thing and honour their own written word. Instead, they doubled down on a demand we believe is mathematically flawed and legally void. We have now placed this matter in the hands of the tribunal to protect residents from predatory overcharging.”
Curo’s spokesperson acknowledged the steep increase and admitted communication could have been clearer. “This is a big jump and understandably comes as a shock. We should have done better in informing owners ahead of time, and we sincerely apologise,” they said.
The housing association explained that the increased charge is part of contributions to a sinking fund—a reserve to cover significant future repairs. Previously, owners were contributing about £6 per month. The raised payments aim to build a fund of approximately £3,000 per flat, based on projected fire door upgrades due within the year.
The spokesperson emphasized flexibility: “We’re keen to engage with owners to accommodate their preferences. If they want to reduce monthly contributions and pay bills when they arise, we can arrange that. We also offer tailored payment plans based on individual circumstances and extended terms.”
Curo has invited residents to meet and discuss the best path forward, seeking to resolve the issue collaboratively.