A homeowner in Gloucestershire has voiced strong criticism of “fleeceholds” after broken street lights remained unrepaired for months, prompting renewed demands for government action to address this growing issue.
“Fleeceholds” refer to situations where residents must pay estate management fees to private companies for communal areas like roads and green spaces, on top of their council tax. Many homeowners view these charges as a hidden second tax, often accompanied by a lack of transparency and limited rights to contest the fees.
Tarran Wilson, a resident of Cooper’s Edge near Gloucester, spoke out against these unfair arrangements. “We are freeholders, not leaseholders, yet we’re stuck paying what feels like double council tax with no clear end in sight,” he said. “Residents have no real control or ability to become directors of the management companies.”
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Wilson expressed particular frustration with Gateway, the estate management firm responsible for the area. He described waiting nearly eight weeks for a broken street light to be fixed and criticized the lack of proper maintenance. “We see landscapers arrive, sit in their van, snap a picture, and leave, with no real oversight or proof the work is done,” he added.
Gateway responded, explaining that they manage the community on behalf of the residents’ management company and follow established guidelines. They outlined the challenges faced in repairing the street lights, including confirming asset responsibility and delays caused by the holiday season, contractor availability, and adverse weather. Gateway also highlighted their processes for grounds maintenance, contractor oversight, and regular site inspections to uphold standards.
Local county councillor Paul Hodgkinson, representing Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach, has intensified his campaign against unfair fleecehold charges, which he says burden homeowners in the North Cotswolds constituency. Hodgkinson criticized the Government’s proposed Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act, arguing it fails to address the root issues faced by freeholders.
“It’s unfair that homeowners pay significant sums to unaccountable management companies while essential services like lighting and green space maintenance are neglected,” Hodgkinson said. He highlighted that freeholders often cover costs for public spaces used by everyone, but only a few residents bear the financial burden.
The proposed legislation offers a “right to manage” but requires residents to establish and operate a management company—a daunting task for ordinary homeowners—and hinges on developers transferring land ownership, which currently carries no obligation.
In Cooper’s Edge, residents remain trapped waiting for developers to relinquish control of the land. Hodgkinson described this arrangement as a right only “on paper,” offering little real recourse.
The Government has reiterated its commitment to resolving the fleecehold dilemma, with two public consultations open until March 12. These consultations explore enhanced protections for homeowners on freehold estates and measures to reduce the prevalence of private estate management arrangements, including tackling unjustified fee increases.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated: “We are dedicated to ending the injustice of fleecehold, which unfairly exposes many people to unreasonable charges. Our consultations seek input on reducing private management use and improving consumer protections.”
They encouraged affected homeowners to participate in the consultations and share their experiences.