Costly ‘lifestyle choices’

Published: 27 January, 2011

• AFTER a round of so-called “Decent Homes” works I got a without “actual costs” £10,000 invoice for my share of repairs. 

In return I got a few windows painted shut and some brickwork pointed, I have now been inundated with exorbitant invoices electrical testing work, and leaking pipe work, which incurred extra cost for delay in fixing it. 

The latest invoice is the so-called Integrated Reception Systems, which is basically a digital aerial for digital TVs for those who own them. 

I don’t have TV nor do I want one, so why am I being forced to have it at a cost of £350? If I wanted a digital TV

I could buy a freeview box for £10. It is the so-called consultation with observations letters where we can put our views and objections to the council that gets my back up! In reply to my objections, I am told that my not wanting it is a “lifestyle choice” and I must pay up or else. We are supposed to have choice in our democracy. What democracy?

Please read “dictation” for “consultation” with decisions that have already been taken by some bureaucrat at the Town Hall dreaming up ways on how to spend my money.

My lease states work and charges should be reasonable. Is this enforced billing without any say and threat of legal action reasonable? I am told that my lease is in jeopardy and I could be made homeless. I am a pensioner with a limited income and means but the bureaucrats don’t care about that!

CLEM ALFORD
Acting Secretary Tavistock Mansions Leaseholders and Residents Association