Reference: 3 | Received: 30 Apr 2025 | Responded: 1 May 2025
Observation: I am curious about any charges I may be liable for in relation to any works that may need to be done. I an disabled and on benefits including PIP. I cannot afford any charges that may occur. What happens in this situation???
Reply: We have had a few questions from tenants about charging for repairs or charging tenants £250. We are sorry that this has caused concern to tenants. The consultation letter is to all residents. So that includes tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. The £250 is information for leaseholders which is a trigger threshold for consultation on specific works that impacts them. It is not for tenants. Charges to tenants will only be made in accordance with tenancy agreements. So routine repairs will continue as normal. If you pay a service charge because you live in a block, that continues.
The Proposal is to appoint a Contractor, not to change our tenants rent or tenancy agreement.
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Reference: 4 | Received: 1 May 2025 | Responded: 1 May 2025
Observation: So, after paying hefty council tax, and a suitable rent. You are now expecting tenants to pay for repairs to properties..? Yes...? These properties are old and in need of constant repairs.... Because of the lack of past upkeep... So therefore I believe that this proposal is an absolute disgrace. I am not at all happy with this proposal. Maybe if all the repairs are done before the said proposal....it would not seem like such a kick in the teeth. These roofs leak, the guttering is constantly leaking, the porch is constantly mouldy....I could go on. So no, I do NOT agree with the said proposal.
Reply: We have had a few questions from tenants about charging for repairs or charging tenants £250. We are sorry that this has caused concern to tenants. The consultation letter is to all residents. So that includes tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. The £250 is information for leaseholders which is a trigger threshold for consultation on specific works that impacts them. It is not for tenants. Charges to tenants will only be made in accordance with tenancy agreements. So routine repairs will continue as normal. If you pay a service charge because you live in a block, that continues.
The Proposal is to appoint a Contractor, not to change our tenants rent or tenancy agreement.
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Reference: 5 | Received: 1 May 2025 | Responded: 1 May 2025
Observation: Does this mean the cost of repairs will be charged separately from rent charges? Our contract included repairs and maintenance. I am assuming that has now been changed. Will tenants be expected to pay for repairs to every property spread across all tenants or just our own repairs. I don’t see why we should pay for repairs when other people wreck their homes. I don’t mind paying for my own repairs when needed. You snuck in the service charges which I don’t agree with as we have no services living in a terraced house with no communal areas. I knew then that it was an underhand way of putting charges up without affecting the rent levels which are capped by the govt. If we are paying separate charges for repairs then why not let people chose their own contractor to complete these as needed?
Reply: We have had a few questions from tenants about charging for repairs or charging tenants £250. We are sorry that this has caused concern to tenants. The consultation letter is to all residents. So that includes tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. The £250 is information for leaseholders which is a trigger threshold for consultation on specific works that impacts them. It is not for tenants. Charges to tenants will only be made in accordance with tenancy agreements. So routine repairs will continue as normal. If you pay a service charge because you live in a block, that continues.
The Proposal is to appoint a Contractor, not to change our tenants rent or tenancy agreement.
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Reference: 6 | Received: 1 May 2025 | Responded: 1 May 2025
Observation: Will tenants be paying for these works through rent or will there be an extra cost to them ? As someone who is disabled this is very concerning.
Reply: We have had a few questions from tenants about charging for repairs or charging tenants £250. We are sorry that this has caused concern to tenants. The consultation letter is to all residents. So that includes tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. The £250 is information for leaseholders which is a trigger threshold for consultation on specific works that impacts them. It is not for tenants. Charges to tenants will only be made in accordance with tenancy agreements. So routine repairs will continue as normal. If you pay a service charge because you live in a block, that continues.
The Proposal is to appoint a Contractor, not to change our tenants rent or tenancy agreement.
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Reference: 7 | Received: 1 May 2025 | Responded: 1 May 2025
Observation: Repairs matters most by quality of work or Repairs. Communication are done between workman and tenant. Efficiency of completion.
Reply: Thank you for your comment.
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Reference: 8 | Received: 1 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: I have lived here for over 35 years, despite calling Mears regularly have never had a new kitchen bathroom or downstairs toilet even though I am disabled and all of these are not fit for purpose
Reply: Thank you for your comment. This consultation is about the new contract. If you have a query about support to use your home please get in touch with your housing officer who can help. Email: neighbourhood.services@milton-keynes.gov.uk.
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Reference: 9 | Received: 1 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: On page 3 of this communication you sent out and the sixth paragraph, beginning, ‘Tenants, leaseholders …’, you mention we will be required to pay a proportion of the cost of carrying out repairs, what exactly does that mean? I thought repairs cost was part of our weekly rent. Also on the same page, you name ‘Mears Limited’ as the appointed supplier and under the heading ‘Any Prior Connection’ you state, ‘No’, surely there is a connection as Mears has been the repairs and maintenance contractor for years.
Reply: Thank you for your comments.
We have had a few questions from tenants about charging for repairs or charging tenants £250. We are sorry that this has caused concern to tenants. The consultation letter is to all residents. So that includes tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. There is no change to tenants rent as part of this.
The legal reference to "any prior connection" in this instance relates to if there is any employee within Milton Keynes City Council who is a director or manager of Mears Limited. Therefore the answer of "no" is correct in this instance.
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Reference: 10 | Received: 1 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: Does this mean we have to start paying for our repairs on our property?
Reply: Thank you for your comment. We have had a few questions from tenants about charging for repairs or charging tenants £250. We are sorry that this has caused concern to tenants. The consultation letter is to all residents. So that includes tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. There is no change to tenants rent as part of this.
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Reference: 11 | Received: 1 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: Good services and response to work.
Reply: Thank you for your comment, that is appreciated.
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Reference: 12 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 16 May 2025
Observation: Why are you doing this when Mears have already had the contract renewed , also we already pay towards repairs its called rent and extortionate service charges , these are your properties so your responsibility to pay for all repairs as landlords not pass the bill on to the tenant.
Reply: Thank you for your comments.
We have had a few questions from tenants about charging for repairs or charging tenants £250. We are sorry that this has caused concern to tenants. The consultation letter is to all residents. So that includes tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. There is no change to tenants rent as part of this.
The letter is to advise residents that the successful tenderer was Mears Limited and the Contract can only be awarded following consultation with residents and only if no significant challenge to the process is raised.
Any queries on service charges please contact rentservicechargereview@milton-keynes.gov.uk
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Reference: 13 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 16 May 2025
Observation: When you mention paying charges for repairs to rented council properties, please elaborate in full detail what you are implying. Currently, repairs to council owned rented properties are part of the inclusive rent charges contract with tenants. Are you then attempting to make additional charges for repairs in addition of paid rents?
Reply: Thank you for your comment. We appreciate your feedback.
We have had a few questions from tenants about charging for repairs or charging tenants £250. We are sorry that this has caused concern to tenants. The consultation letter is to all residents. So that includes tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. Tenants rent is not changing because of this.
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Reference: 14 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 16 May 2025
Observation: I welcome the proposed improvements to the new contract. As a person with profound hearing loss, I am particularly happy with the proposed additional ways of reporting maintenance issues. With regard to telephone reporting, I find that some Mears staff are excellent at dealing with my hearing loss, the majority are at least competent, but a few just don't seem to get it, either by not speaking clearly enough or speaking too quietly. It would be a big help if all Mears telephone staff received regular training in dealing with people with hearing loss.
Reply: Thank you for your comment, that is appreciated. The contract requires things to be done in a way that consider tenants needs as that was raised as a priority by tenants during our engagement. We have noted your comment around training too, so thank you for that.
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Reference: 15 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: Mears always do a Great job.
Reply: Thank you for your comment, that is appreciated.
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Reference: 16 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: Find better than mears. Mears are cowboys the work they do is not good enough they don’t listen to the tenants and they sit in there vans engine running when they should be working.
Reply: Thank you for your comment. Your feedback has been noted.
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Reference: 17 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: The service I have received over the years from Mears has been dreadful.
Reply: Thank you for your comment. Your feedback has been noted.
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Reference: 18 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: How come you want to charge tenants for £250 or more? It's landlords responsibility to cover cost of repairs not tenants. Also Mears are the worst maintenance company. Why can't you appoint new contract. Thanks
Reply: Thank you for your comments. We have had a few questions from tenants about charging for repairs or charging tenants £250. We are sorry that this has caused concern to tenants. The consultation letter is to all residents. So that includes tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. Tenants rent will not change because of this.
We have carried out a robust procurement process where the best scoring was secured by Mears Limited.
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Reference: 19 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 16 May 2025
Observation: When will this all start?
Reply: We have to consult with residents first. The consultation ends on 30th May so keep an eye on www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/housing/housing-consultations/repairs-and-maintenance-consultation/repairs-and-maintenances for updates.
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Reference: 20 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 16 May 2025
Observation: Why would we need to pay a service charge when all repairs and maintenance costs are already paid by ourselves and none are carried out by the council? We have always been responsible for them since ownership of the property.
Reply: The consultation letter is to all residents. So that includes tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. The terms of your agreement will remain the same. The £250 referenced applies to leaseholders. We apologise for the confusion raised by the letter.
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Reference: 21 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 16 May 2025
Observation: The service charges has gone triple for [REDACTED] and tge work hasn't be done at all even building cavity wall is showing little cracks .the building might become subsidence in [REDACTED] the service charge should maximum 250 pounds a year for ever house hold the management of mears are damaging properties purposely some of individuals are making money.
Reply: Thank you for your comment. The service charge is calculated in accordance with your agreement and based on the works carried out to your property, block or estate and charged accordingly. If you have any queries on service charges please email rentservicechargereview@milton-keynes.gov.uk
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Reference: 22 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 16 May 2025
Observation: Whilst I understand the council’s decision that tenants should have to pay towards any repairs or renewals, I am concerned as my husband and I are now in our 60’s. Our windows aren’t great as they are draughty, we were going to enquire if we’re eligible for new windows as they have previously been repaired but the repair doesn’t last long. Due to our age and me being wheelchair bound and claiming PIP there is no way we could afford to pay towards replacements so what would we have to do?
Reply: We have had a few questions from tenants about charging for repairs or charging tenants £250. We are sorry that this has caused concern to tenants. The consultation letter is to all residents. So that includes tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. There is no change to tenants rents because of this. Let us know if you have any more queries.
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Reference: 23 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: I see from your letter that the companies main address is in Gloucester. Will this make any difficulties getting in touch with them to book any repairs.
Reply: The address referenced is the company's registered address. The contract requires the contractor to have a local base in Milton Keynes. There is also a lot of requirements around local employment and suppliers too.
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Reference: 24 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: As an owner of leasehold flat will I be allowed to search and use contractors for all repairs within my property do give me an opportunity to search for most cost effective quotes?
Reply: Thank you for getting in touch. The terms of your lease will continue so there is no change there. Along with any arrangements for repairs or renewals and consultations.
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Reference: 25 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation:
*Quality of repairs *Good communication *proper time management
Reply: Thank you for your comments. Let us know if you have any questions.
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Reference: 26 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: Do any of the proposals in letter reference [REDACTED] apply to shared ownership properties? I've never had any repairs or maintenance carried out by the council at my property and wonder if there is anything that I am entitled to pay "my due proportion of the cost of carrying out repairs" instead being responsible for all maintenance and repairs.
Reply: The consultation letter is to all residents. So that includes tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. The terms of your agreement will remain the same. The £250 referenced applies to leaseholders.
Shared owners remain responsible for their repairs and maintenance as per their agreements. We are sorry for any confusion caused.
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Reference: 27 | Received: 2 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: Don’t have any thing to say am okey with any good thing that the council will offed or provide, if only it’s good for us the tenants
Reply: Thank you for your comment, we appreciate it.
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Reference: 29 | Received: 3 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: What will be next repair in my building?
Reply: The consultation is for the repairs and maintenance contract. For any repair queries please use the normal contact details. It continues as per the terms of your lease.
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Reference: 31 | Received: 3 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: I don’t mind.
Reply: Thank you for your comment, appreciated.
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Reference: 32 | Received: 3 May 2025 | Responded: 16 May 2025
Observation: Would like for emergency work to be completed as emergency work. Also when a problem arise and it is sorted it should be decorated as this is not done and put extra financial burden on occupants. a good and pleasant home cheers people up and uplift their mood especially if life is not treating you fairly. Some workers should treat people with respect. I do not know whom to contact regarding the ongoing work been done on our properties but I have a number of questions I wanted clarification and answers on as I have been told different things from different people. Works done at any point in time should be put back in its original form. Faults should be communicated among workers. a job will be raised and different workers will be sent over and things suggested will be ignored and different things done and you are continually calling for things to be done efficiently.
Reply: Thank you for your comments, we appreciate you getting in touch. How work is done is really important and we are very aware that all our work is funded by rent from tenants or other charges, like service charges, so we have to make sure we are doing what is needed. We have passed your query about ongoing work to the council maintenance team so they will be in touch shortly.
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Reference: 33 | Received: 3 May 2025 | Responded: 16 May 2025
Observation: You must employ the best idiots and decision makers in Milton Keynes. Mears have been taking you MKCC to the cleaners, overcharging and poor workmanship. Power, Corruption and lies. I would not let them near my home!
Reply: Thank you for your feedback, this has been noted.
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Reference: 34 | Received: 3 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: These letters about additional charges are causing me real anxiety. As a detached shared ownership house surrounded by privately owned houses with no communal areas or shared areas, I am fully responsible for any and all repairs / maintenance to my home, garden and any other areas within my boundary. Please confirm I will not be responsible for any additional chargers. Without sounding rude I don't want to contribute to anyone else's maintenance fees or repairs, anymore than I want to contribute to their Netflix subscription. I would really appreciate individual clarification on this. Thank you.
Reply: Thank you for getting in touch. We are sorry that we have upset you. We apologise for that. The consultation letter is to all residents. So that includes tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. The terms of your agreement will remain the same. The £250 referenced applies to leaseholders.
Shared owners remain responsible for their repairs and maintenance as per their agreements so this does not change. We apologise for any concern caused by the wording in the letter.
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Reference: 36 | Received: 3 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: Disrepair.
Reply: Thank you for getting in touch, we are not sure what you mean, so please provide us with more details.
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Reference: 37 | Received: 4 May 2025 | Responded: 16 May 2025
Observation: Rats in the wall of the property causing fear and panic to me and my children, allergies sleepless night and danger how is it resolved?
Reply: Thanks for getting in touch. Please raise this as normal repair request so that our contractor can make an appointment to take a look.
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Reference: 38 | Received: 4 May 2025 | Responded: 9 May 2025
Observation: Very disappointed MKCC have reissued the contract to Mears again. (We are currently in dispute with a major works bill inflated partly by the ineptness of Mears). Why do MKCC continue to outsource work to third parties who then themselves outsource to local contractors. E.g./fitting of fire doors recently. Just layer after layer of inflated work / costs passed on to the leaseholder / taxpayer. Perhaps it's time to get back to work/ in the office so work can be coordinated and run by MKCC. Stop the daylight/corporate robbery.
Mears pretax profits last year rose 37% to £64.1million!
Please, please please stop /reconsider this. Invest in local staff to run this. It can be done.
Reply: Thank you for getting in touch. We have consulted on the previous stages with residents about how we deliver the works and services. This consultation is about the outcome of the procurement. The contract includes performance and commercial monitoring.
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