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Service Charge

At each Court the Service Charge covers:

• The salaries of all the staff at the Court
• One and a half hours of weekly domestic assistance
• Additional staff time per dwelling to service the communal areas
• The costs of a handyman and gardener and all ancillary services such as external window cleaning
• Comprehensive buildings insurance
• Public and Employers Liability
• General routine maintenance of the buildings, equipment and grounds
• Electricity, gas and water charges for the communal areas
• General office administration
• Audit and accountancy fees
• Contributions to a Fund for Future Maintenance which allows for the cost of all foreseen major maintenance work and periodic refurbishment.

The service charge at each Court compares very favourably with the cost of residential care or even extended domestic help at home. The fact that Very Sheltered Housing is successful in reducing demands on public services means that a range of benefits are available which make the monthly service charge affordable for anyone who requires the services offered at the Courts.

By definition, most people requiring the services offered by Very Sheltered Housing would qualify for Attendance Allowance. In some circumstances the available benefits may cover the service charge and enable comfortable living for those with even a modest income.

Each Court’s Service Charge is agreed by the Court’s Board of Directors prior to the beginning of each financial year. Under normal circumstances any increase in the Service Charge is limited to the same percentage as the September Retail Price Index. Any proposal to increase it by more than this is subject to a formal vote at an Extraordinary General Meeting of all the shareholders at the Court.

Common questions about the Service Charge and answers to those questions may be found in the FAQs section of the web site.

Pension Credit

Nearly half of all pensioners are entitled to Pension Credit which was introduced in October 2003. Many people who could be getting this extra money have not yet made a claim.

Pension Credit:

• Guaranteed pension credit for people aged 60 and over ensures that all single people have an income of at least £124.05 a week and couples at least £189.34 a week (from April 2008). These levels may be higher if you are severely disabled or a carer.

There is no upper savings limit for Pension Credit but if you have savings over £6,000 this will reduce the amount of benefit you get.

If you are considering a move to Very Sheltered Housing and you are concerned that you would not have sufficient money to live comfortably in one of our development, contact us.

Attendance Allowance

This is for people aged 65 and over who require some assistance with daily living. For example, help with dressing, washing or moving around at home.

Attendance Allowance is not means tested or taxable and does not have to be accounted for. By definition, most people who are interested in and require the services and peace of mind provided by Very Sheltered Housing should be entitled to this benefit.

There are two weekly rates:

£44.85 a week (from April 2008) if you need help by day or by night and £67 if you need help by day and by night.

If you are considering a move to Very Sheltered Housing and  you think you may qualify for Attendance Allowance do not hesitate to contact us for advice and assistance with making your application.

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Registered in England No: 1612921
18 Wood Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6JF
Tel: 01789 292952 Fax: 01789 297234

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