Understanding Service Charge Strikes: A Growing Crisis in the Housing Sector
The housing sector in the UK is facing a perfect storm. With ever-increasing service charges, poor repairs, and ongoing delays in maintenance, residents are being pushed to their limits. In Episode 21 of the Housing Sector Podcast, I sat down with Suz from the Social Housing Action Campaign (SHAC) to discuss this critical issue and the growing calls for service charge strikes. This blog explores what service charge strikes are, why they are being considered, and what they mean for residents and housing associations alike.
Rent & Service (miss)charges
Over the past year, numerous UK social housing providers have been implicated in overcharging residents for rent and service charges. These issues have led to significant financial burdens for tenants, prompting widespread frustration and complaints.
Already considered an ever-increasing cost that spirals further out of control year on year, residents now have to question if they are being illegally overcharged or if these costs are simply being mismanaged. One thing we can all ponder is whether this is just the tip of the iceberg.