Council leaseholders in Milton Keynes on tenterhooks over £10,000 roof repair bills

Despite being told that their share of the costs – which they are bound to pay as leaseholders – would be a maximum of £10,000 a meeting was told that last month they received invoices for £11,250… with just 28 days to pay.

Cllr Roy Adams, of Stony Stratford Town Council, took up his Galley Hill constituents’ cause at a borough council meeting yesterday (Tuesday).

His term of office after May’s election has already been confirmed as being re-elected unopposed.

Using a public right to pose questions at Milton Keynes Council meetings, Cllr Adams said work had been carried out to some roofs in March 2019.

Eight leaseholders living in low rise blocks in Galley Hill are understood to be affected.

“At the time leaseholders were informed that the absolute maximum they would have to pay to the cost of the works was £10,000 and that they would be given time to pay,” he said.

“In March this year affected residents began receiving invoices for £11,250 each, with 28 days to pay.”

But a reminder of the earlier commitment led MK Council to promise to revise the invoices.

“None of these have been received and the council’s response is that we will have to await the outcome,” he said.

“One wonders what decision is delaying timely information to residents,” he added.

“Having failed to provide the invoices for the work within the 18 months time limit they are considering not charging leaseholders?” he asked.

Cllr Hannah O’Neill (Lab, Woughton & Fishermead) told Tuesday’s meeting that she was not in a position to answer the question because it doesn’t fall within her health and wellbeing portfolio.

Two other cabinet members had not been able to make the meeting at short notice, she added.

But Cllr O’Neill said that the council’s director of environment and property is due to report on the issue to an internal meeting next month.

“A full update will be offered to yourself and leaseholders after that meeting,” she added.

After Tuesday’s meeting Cllr Emily Darlington (Lab, Bletchley East), the council’s cabinet member for public realm said officers are looking into the issue at the moment and would be “back in touch with leaseholders.”

A council spokesman declined to add any more information to what had already been stated.