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Residents pay a Standard Maintenance Charge for their accommodation; the Standard Maintenance Charge year is from 1 April to 31 March and is made up of a nominal Rent, Maintenance Contribution and Heating Charge. The total for 2007 / 2008 is £4,326. The details are as follows:
Rent
A nominal sum is required as rent. This is set at a level that covers the cost to the Trustees of providing the services of the Assistant Manager (Residents). For 2007 / 2008 the amount is £114.
Maintenance Contribution
For the year to the end of March 2008 the standard contribution per flat is set at £3,574. This covers all the outgoings incurred in running The Royal Homes apart from the Heating Charge.
Housing Benefit, to which some residents are entitled, is not payable in respect of costs incurred for electricity or heating, hot water and water charges. Therefore the cost of these items is levied separately and for 2007 / 2008 is set at £638.
Two bedroom flats
The Standard Maintenance Charge for residents who occupy flats with two bedrooms is increased by 20%. In 2007/8 this means that these residents will pay £5,191.
Other costs
Each resident is responsible for the cost of her own electricity, telephone and Council Tax.
Many residents are entitled to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit to meet all or part of these costs (other than the Heating Charge, and electricity and telephone costs). The Manager has been able to assist a number of residents to identify and claim their entitlements in this respect.