Dan Peters 12 August 2014

Flo's Law to limit council charges

A new law that will limit the amount councils can charge leaseholders for repairs to their homes comes into force this week.

‘Appalled’ local government secretary Eric Pickles vowed to introduce the cap after Newham LBC landed 93-year-old grandmother of seven Florence Bourne with a £50,000 bill for roof repairs.

The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said Newham based its fee on a ‘guess because it had not conducted a proper survey on the first-floor flat’.

It later emerged the roof would have lasted another 40 years and the work was unnecessary.

Florence’s family say she ‘died of shame’ because she had never been in debt in her life and could not afford to pay the bill for the work on her Brentwood home.

New directions – dubbed Flo’s Law - are being issued to councils and housing associations that will force them to limit the amount they can charge for future major repair, maintenance or improvement works when they are wholly or partly funded by the government.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner