Charges for the Block
Caretaking and cleaning charges include the
cost of the caretaking service, as well as any associated services
such as bulk refuse clearance and chute cleaning (see below). We
provide two types of caretaking service, the Resident caretaking
service and the Mobile caretaking service.
The charge for a Resident caretaker includes
the costs of wages, accommodation allowances, a uniform, tools and
equipment. Resident caretakers live in one of the blocks they
look after, so may not live in the same block as you. The charge
for Mobile caretakers does not include any costs for accommodation
but does include the costs of transport, uniform, equipment and
wages. We work out the charges based on the average amount of
time the caretaker(s) spend at your block each week.
A caretaker’s main tasks are:
- checking that shared lighting is working
properly and changing bulbs and time clocks where they are able
to
- clearing litter
- reporting repairs
- sweeping shared entrances to blocks, and
- cleaning the inside surfaces of shared
windows
You will normally only be charged for either
the Resident caretaking service or the Mobile caretaking service.
However, if we have to change the way we provide a caretaking
service to your block during the year, you may be charged part-year
costs for both services.
Building cleaning charges
cover the costs of cleaning shared areas such as staircases,
corridors and balconies. Building cleaners are also
responsible for removing graffiti and polishing the floors in
shared areas. Service charges are based on the amount that we are
charged for each site by the Council’s Portfolio Management
Services team who carry out the work.
Communal electricity charges
are for the lights in shared areas, controlled-entry systems, lifts
and any shared aerial systems. Charges are based on
electricity bills we pay on the relevant electricity meters. On
some estates where lamp columns are linked to block electricity
meters, communal electricity may be charged as an ‘estate’ cost
instead of a ‘block’ cost.
Day-to-day repairs to the
block. These charges include work to shared parts of
the block such as the roof, shared staircases, window frames and
drains. Any repair and maintenance costs we charge to a block
are only for that block, not for the whole estate.
Lift repairs and maintenance
charges include the cost of the yearly maintenance contract as well
as the cost of any new parts and so on. Sometimes these costs
may not be shown separately from day-to-day repairs.
Entryphone repairs and
maintenance charges include the cost of repairs, renewing
parts and maintaining all parts of controlled-entry systems
including video cameras. Sometimes these costs may not be
shown separately from day-to-day repairs.
Porter or Concierge costs
include wages, equipment, a uniform and telephone charges.
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