Most if not all, will be aware of the charges suffered by a large majority of residents living in new developments. These are levied by the agents acting for management companies set up by developers. The charges are levied for a myriad of items but rarely explained or justified when residents paying these charges ask for a breakdown. After dealing with 4 of these managing agents over the past few years it has become clear that services offered - maintenance of courtyards, bin stores, lampposts and electricity supply for them are only a small element of the charges. What is astonishing is that between 75-90% of the total charge is for the management of that maintenance. Most often listed in the charges are, H&S risk assessment, insurances, Directors and Officers fees, accountancy fees, Company Secretary, reserves, and the biggest as always is in every single case "management fees".

So, we call on all local authorities to represent their residents and lobby and make their voice heard by asking the current Housing Minister to abolish this system going forward and make the current system fairer and more transparent in order to stop the exploitation of buyers and renters on new developments.