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Estimated and actual service charges

Estimated service charges

Estimated service charges give an indication of the council’s anticipated expenditure for the forthcoming financial year. You will be billed in April for estimated service charges relating to that year.

Actual service charges

Actual service charges refer to the previous financial year. The council calculates whether the actual service charge matches the estimated service charge billed at the beginning of the year.

Any difference is then billed or credited to you.

For example:

Financial year 2008/09 – estimated service charges:

  • In April 2008 leaseholders are invoiced for estimated service charges for 1 April, 2008 to 31 March, 2009.
  • Leaseholder A is charged £100.

Financial year 2009/2010 – actual service charges:

  • In September 2009 leaseholders are invoiced for actual service charges for the 2008/09 financial year.
  • Leaseholder A’s actual charges for the 2008/09 financial year were £150; this is £50 more than was invoiced in April 2008 (estimated service charge).
  • In September 2009 leaseholder A is invoiced for the £50 difference.

Outline of activities relating to service charge billing over a financial year

The financial year starts on 1 April and ends on 31 March.

April

Start of new financial and service charge year. You will be invoiced estimated service charges for this financial year.

May - July

Actual expenditure for the previous financial year is calculated using the council’s financial systems and paid invoices.

August

Preparation of invoices and supporting paperwork for previous years actual service charges.

September

You will be invoiced for actual service charges for the previous financial year. Payment should be made within 30 days.

October

Council answers service charge queries.

January

Preparation for ground rent demands and estimated service charges for next financial year.

March

You will be sent a ground rent demand for the forthcoming financial year. Final preparation for estimated service charges for that year.

 

For more information contact Housing Services by telephone: 01634 333219 or by email: housing@medway.gov.uk / leaseholders@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Housing Services, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR

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