Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will commission independent research into the extent to which repairs to (a) lifts, (b) door entry systems and (c) other communal elements covered by social landlord's annual service charges are being re-charged directly to tenants.

The Government’s policy statement on social housing rents states that Registered Providers of social housing are expected to set reasonable and transparent service charges for tenants that reflect the service being provided. Registered Providers are expected to supply tenants with clear information about how service charges are set, and to consult with tenants if any new or extended services are introduced.

Where there are concerns about the calculation, collection or communication of service charges, tenants may ask the Housing Ombudsman to investigate their complaint.