Call to review council tax for managed estates

Homeowners across many newer housing developments in Telford are paying twice for their street maintenance according to a local councillor.

Conservative Councillor Andrew Eade has called on the Labour administration at Telford & Wrekin Council to review charges for householders.

The move targets estates where residents pay management companies for things like roads, pavements, and lighting while still paying full council tax.

These estate management charges often apply to new-build homes where the infrastructure has not been taken over by the local authority.

Instead, a private company manages the environment, which can cost residents thousands of pounds every year.

Councillor Eade said: “The Labour administration on Telford & Wrekin Council are taking full council tax payments from many residents in the Borough for services they simply do not provide.”

The Conservative leader wants the council to look at the situation while they are setting the budget for next year.

He said: “While in the process of setting next year’s budget I am calling on them to reconsider their stance when issuing Council Tax Bills to many residents who have been forced into contracts with estate management companies when purchasing their homes.”

The issue has become a point of concern for residents who feel they are being double charged for services.

Councillor Eade added: “This is a boroughwide problem that needs a radical solution and although the government are reviewing the whole system it seems to me that proposed reforms do not go anywhere near enough to sort out this iniquitous issue.”

One resident from Lightmoor who pays around £400 a year in ‘stewardship’ fees, told Telford Live “I would agree a small offset would be appreciated but I don’t think it’s as black and white as being double charged.”