A controversial policy that saw leaseholders double-charged for window replacements has finally been scrapped.
Previously, owners of homes on council estates who replaced their own windows faced being charged again when the council came to replacing windows on the rest of the estate.
This was because, under their lease agreement, leaseholders are legally responsible for paying a proportion of the cost of any works to the structure and fabric of the building.
But after strong opposition, the council has reviewed the practice so leaseholders will no longer face being charged twice.
Councillor Lib Peck, cabinet member for housing and regeneration, said after “much pressure on our part” leaseholders would now get “a fairer deal”.
But Councillor Jeremy Clyne, Lib Dem opposition spokesman on housing, said the Labour administration was too slow to reverse its “outrageous policy”.
He said: “Leaseholders who have been forced to pay many thousands of pounds as a result of this iniquitous policy should consider seeking a refund.”
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