Stories

Sat, 28 Mar 2026

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 Service charges coming under government scrutiny

People across the West explain how the charges on their buildings are affecting their finances.

* Service charges in residential areas have increased annually and can cost over £1,000 per year.
* Homeowners have few rights to challenge these charges, which often cover communal maintenance costs such as insurance, management fees, and repairs.
* The government is trying to crack down on service charges, but some feel the proposed changes don't go far enough.
* Residents who have been affected by rising service charges share their experiences:
* Tarran Wilson's charges increased from £290 to £558.65 per year at Coopers Edge in Gloucestershire.
* Zak Reid paid over £1,000 per year for his flat at Wapping Wharf in Bristol before moving due to the increasing costs.
* Jax Newman has seen a lack of maintenance and upkeep at her block of flats in Cheltenham, with issues including faulty alarms and stains on carpets.
* The government plans to strengthen residents' rights and cap ground rents, but details have not been fully explained.
* Some groups, such as the Residential Freeholders Association, are calling for regulation to tackle service charges directly.