From time to time, residents raise questions about the Newhall Estate Service Charge, so we thought it would be helpful to provide additional information that explains how these funds are allocated and spent. Our aim is to enhance transparency and ensure residents have a clearer understanding of the service charge’s purpose and its impact on our community.

We empathise with residents’ concerns regarding the possible implications of service charges on household finances. Please be assured that our primary goal is to deliver top-notch services while keeping expenses to a minimum. Rest assured that we are committed to maintaining the highest quality of service while striving to ensure that costs remain affordable and reasonable for all homeowners.

The current annual service charge is approximately £382.33, which breaks down to around £7.35 per week, or £1.07 per day. It’s worth noting that this rate is comparatively lower than similar developments. While we strive to maintain this affordability, please keep in mind that the final decision on service charge rates depends on various factors, such as operational costs, community needs and inflation.

SHW aims to provide transparent communication regarding any changes to the service charge and ensure that residents are informed about how these funds contribute to the upkeep and improvement of our community. If you have a service charge query, please direct these to: zjermy@shw.co.uk.

The budget planning process typically commences in or around September, allowing ample time for a comprehensive review of the community’s needs. Once finalised, the new budget is prepared and ready to be shared with residents by the end of the financial year, which concludes on December 31st.

Things that the service charge includes are as follows:

  • Estate management
  • Landscape maintenance of front gardens and Newhall communal areas, including parkland, woodlands and waterways
  • Tree survey and works
  • Maintenance of children’s play areas, inspection, repair and replacement
  • Maintenance of balancing ponds to prevent flooding (Including drainage for streams, balancing ponds, reed beds and silt removal)
  • Maintenance of unadopted footpaths and roads
  • General maintenance and repairs
  • Environmental health control
  • Maintenance of the communal TV, Satellite + WiFi distribution service
  • Street lighting on unadopted roadways and pathways
  • Litter picking
  • Road sweeping
  • Emptying litter and dog waste bins
  • Gritting and maintenance of grit boxes
  • Bulky waste removal in areas within our remit
  • Public liability insurance
  • Legal expenses and D&O Insurance
  • Printing and postage
  • Additional sundries
  • Health and Safery Risk Assessment
  • Management fees
  • Accountancy fees
  • Legal and professional fees contingency
  • Planting contingency