Boswell & Hitherwood FTT Insurance Challenge 2021
Important: please only donate if you want to be part of the FTT claim (you won't need to do anything, I just need to include your name on the application). You must be a leaseholder of Boswell or Hitherwood Court and you must provide me with this address otherwise I cannot include you.
Hi All
As explained separately, we are now looking to proceed with the FTT (First Tier Tribunal) in relation to the 200%+ insurance hike this year.
In recognition of the increase that seems to be out of line with the rest of the development, and the 4 month delay in us being advised (making it too late to do much about it through normal channels) I am seeking an arrangement to be made between our freeholder and management company that means we are not paying over the odds for insurance compared with similar buildings, and also assurance that we will never be put in this position again.
The good news is that: a) we do not need a solicitor to do this, b) we can apply as one group (so long as we are each named on the application) and c) we can legally request that any charges incurred by the other party(ies) are not charged back to us.
More information on the process is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-leasehold-3-application-for-a-determination-of-liability-to-pay-and-reasonableness-of-service-charges
The less good news is that it does cost something (this is to make sure people don't just apply for the sake of it).
It is going to cost £100 to make the initial application, and then another £200 (if it goes to a hearing, which it sounds like it probably will). But these can be shared amongst us. I've put the target at £325 to cover GoFundMe Fees which are taken off what is raised.
May I request that anyone who wants to be a co-signator (I had approx. 70 co-signators to the letter so I'm expecting a similar number of co-signators to the FTT) donates something (even £1) via GoFundMe please. This is much easier and cheaper than making an application individually. It also makes makes sure I have an up to date record of who wants to be involved.
If there are any excess funds raised (i.e. if it doesn't go to a hearing) I will donate these to an NHS fundraiser.
If I just sign from myself it is only in my name and I am not sure whether anyone else could claim under that, so if you want in you'll need to take part now.
In the application I am raising questions to both the freeholder and the management company (in the same application).
I have spoken with Barnet tribunal service and have a call with LEASE on Tuesday evening to confirm a few final things. I'm hoping to submit this to FTT on Wednesday 8th Sept so I will need names by then.
Thanks for your support
Joe
