Section 20 - stage 3
NOTE: The ‘Section 20 Dispensation’ process has now been completed to the satisfaction of the Tribunal.
Please see latest on Section 20 Dispensation Process - Tribunal Decision - here
Note: Our consultation on Section 20 Dispensation has now ended, with the deadline for Stage 3 submissions elapsed.
Details of stage 1 and stage 2 are also available on our website.
Documents sent in evidence to HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), 31st Sept 2019
Following the final stage of consultation for Section 20 Dispensation, Incommuniites sent the following documents in evidence of the process we had undertaken. Please follow the links to view the relevant paperwork:
Stage 1 letter to Incommunities leaseholders - example
Stage 1 letter to Sadeh Lok tenants - example
Stage 2 letter to Incommunities leaseholders - example
Stage 3 letter to Sadeh Lok tenants - example
Stage 3 letter to Incommunities leaseholders - example
Stage 3 letter to Sadeh Lok tenants - example
HMCTS reply form posted with all Stage 3 letters
Summary of responses from customers at each stage
Objections and enquiries at Stage 3 - summary table
Voicemail enquiries & responses at Stage 3 - summary table
Guide, glossary and FAQs to Section 20 Dispensation - publicly available
Covering letter to HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Summary of Responses to Stage 1 Consultation
The first Section 20 consultation period ran from 18th February 2019 to 22nd March 2019.
During this period we received three written enquiries, two of which were regarding property repairs and not relevant to the consultation.
The third query was regarding a concern around having to pay a new service charge. This was a misunderstanding, as the section 20 process only relates to existing service charges. The section 20 consultation process does not include any new service charge provision.
Summary of Responses to Stage 2 Consultation
The second Section 20 consultation period ran from 23rd April to 24th May 2019.
During this period we received the following enquiries –
- Three emails and six phone calls were answered to explain the Section 20 Dispensation process and describe the customers’ service charges.
- Five letters request clarification or seeking clarification. They were all responded to with relevant information.
- One customer requested that, at tendering, we consider electricity providers which invest in renewables. He was told this would be taken into consideration at the time and a discussion has been held with our utilities agent to this effect.
Summary of Responses to Stage 3 Consultation
The third Section 20 consultation period ran from 2nd September to 16th September 2019.
This stage invited objections to the process outlined to customers. A Reply Form provided by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) was included with all letters, inviting customers to reply to both Incommunities and HMCTS with details of their objection and supporting information.
During this period Incommunities and HMCTS received a total of 23 Reply Forms without written enquiries, none of which lodged objections to the Section 20 Dispensation process in the prescribed way. Two emails were received, and one customer visited the Quays, all of which were questioning the service charge being levied or asking for clarity. One objection was lodged in writing but this related to a planning application. None objected to the Section 20 Dispensation process.
51 phone messages were left using an automated voicemail system, all of which were responded to by 19th September. None objected to the Section 20 Dispensation process.