SINCLAIR GARDENS INVESTMENTS (KENSINGTON) LIMITED LRX/113/2005
[1]This is an appeal by the landlord against the decision of the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal for the Southern Rent Assessment Panel on an application under section 27A of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 in respect of the reasonableness of service charges arising in the years ending 24 June 2002 to 24 June 2005.[2]The grounds of appeal were limited by a decision of the Lands Tribunal dated 7 December 2005 to the matter of an arithmetical error which had been made by the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal in paragraph 12 of its decision.[3]The appellant submitted written representations on 28 June 2006. There is no respondent.[4]In its decision dated 21 July 2005 the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal determined that the cost of external decorations incurred in the year ending 24 June 2002 was too high and should be reduced from £3,055 to £2,267.75. The latter figure was said to be made up as follows: Cost of scaffolding £1,000 Labour cost of 2 men x 4 days @ £160 per day £1,280 Materials £ 150 Total £1,930 VAT @ 17.5% £ 337.75 Grand Total £2,267.75[5]The appellant submitted that the correct total should have been: £1,000 + £1,280 + £150 = £2,430 plus VAT of £425.25, making a grand total of £2,855.25.[6]I agree with the appellant’s calculation and I allow the appeal. The amount awarded in respect of external decorations for the year ending 24 June 2002 is £2,855.25 including VAT.[7]There being no respondent the issue of costs does not arise in this case and this decision shall take immediate effect. Dated 19 July 2006 A J Trott FRICS 2