So Gep needs to write a recorded delivery to the Council or managing director of LH to find out who is being paid what to justify the charges they want you to pay. He also needs to demand information about the number of other leaseholders in his block who pay too. Additional questions may be the amount of hours a sweeper spends on the job per year, what his gross pay may be. what contractor refitted the lifts, Do they have a contract with Lewisham Homes or with Council themselves e.t.c Basically you want to know everything. Keep on asking questions. Problem with estimates is that they can go overboard. Sooner or later they will start to justify the amount they are asking for simply because they have it in their bank to spend on lovely things. Remember they go to banks to borrow money and the managing director wants to send his kids to an expensive school. Where are you meant to find 500-800 quid? Also questions these new fixed charges "Anti Social Behaviour" and "Leaseholders Meetings charges". - Do not pay them this money. Check out http://www.the-nla.org.uk/. Note. valuation tribunal and audit commission as weapons to use.

Good luck Gep