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Allowed in PartFirst-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)·

First-tier Tribunal Grants Dispensation for Certain Fire Safety Works

Case No.

📌 In brief

The First-tier Tribunal granted permission to skip certain consultation requirements for specific a person a person works and initial costs related to fixing dangerous cladding, but denied permission for other costs. This decision helps the building owners move forward with a person improvements.

⚖️ Legal holding

An applicant may be granted dispensation from consultation requirements under section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 if the works are urgent and necessary to comply with statutory obligations.

Topics

dispensation from consultationfire safety workscladding remediationBuilding Safety Fund

Provisions

Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 s.20

📖 Technical summary

The tribunal granted dispensation from consultation requirements for certain a person a person works and preliminary a person costs related to cladding remediation, but refused dispensation for other costs.

📜 Headnote Official document

The tribunal granted dispensation from consultation requirements for certain fire safety works and preliminary professional costs related to cladding remediation, but refused dispensation for other costs. The decision was made by Judge C Goodall in the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

📚 Full judgment Official document

OUTCOME: Allowed in Part

1

FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL [NAME] (RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY) Case reference : BIR/00FY/LDC/2020/0007 Property : [NAME], [NAME], Nottingham [POSTCODE] Applicant : [redacted] [APPELLANT] (2) Representative : None Respondents : [redacted] Property Representative : None Type of application : Application for the dispensation of all or any of the consultation requirements provided for by section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 Tribunal member : Judge C [NAME] [NAME] – [NAME], CIEH

Date and place of hearing : 7 September 2020 by [NAME] of decision : 16 September 2020

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

This determination included a remote video hearing on the papers which has been consented to by the parties. The form of remote hearing was Video (V: CVPREMOTE). A face-to-face hearing was not held because it was not practicable, no-one requested the same, and all issues could be determined in a remote hearing/on paper. The documents referred to are in a bundle, the contents of which are noted.

Pursuant to Rule 33(2A) of the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) ([NAME]) Rules 2013 and to enable this case to be heard remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic in accordance with the Pilot Practice Direction: Contingency Arrangements in the First-tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal the Tribunal has directed that the hearing be held in private. The Tribunal has directed that the proceedings are to be conducted wholly as video proceedings; it is not reasonably practicable for such a hearing, or such part, to be accessed in a court or tribunal venue by persons who are not parties entitled to participate in the hearing; a [NAME] representative is not able to access the proceedings remotely while they are taking place; and such a direction is necessary to secure the proper administration of justice.

Background

1. [NAME] is a 14-storey residential tower block in central Nottingham, let to 101 residential [NAME] [NAME] and two commercial units. It exceeds 50m in height. The [NAME] is owned by [COMPANY], whose directors are a [NAME] [NAME] and a [NAME] [NAME]. The shares are owned by [NAME] [NAME]. The secretary is [NAME].

2. The building was built in the 1990’s as commercial offices. In the early part of this century, it was converted into residential use. Leases were granted for 150 years. The lease is tri partite. The grantor is [COMPANY]. There is a management company called [COMPANY] (“CHR”). [NAME] have one share; [NAME] [NAME] has retained 99 shares in CHR in addition. The director of CHR is [NAME] [NAME]. The secretary is [NAME] [NAME]. All residential [NAME] are Respondents in this case (called the “[NAME]”).

3. CHR has appointed a company called [COMPANY] to manage [NAME]. [NAME] [NAME] is a director of [NAME], and the secretary is [NAME[NAME]. [NAME] holds itself out to be a [COMPANY].

4. The relationship between [NAME], CHR and [NAME] is clearly not at arms-length. This application was brought by [COMPANY], who named CHR as their representative. In reality, CHR should have brought this application as they are the party who may levy service charges upon [NAME]. There is a clear substantive issue in this case that needs to be resolved in a timely manner, and it is in the interests of justice that we

3 therefore add CHR as an applicant in these proceedings, under Rule 10 of the Tribunal Procedure ((First-tier Tribunal) ([NAME]) Rules 2013. It was not possible to make a distinction between representations on the part of [NAME], CHR and [NAME] in the hearing in this case, and in this decision we shall describe all such representations as being made by or on behalf of all three of these companies who we describe as the Applicants.

The Leases

5. The residential leases oblige CHR to maintain in good and substantial repair the main structure, foundations, planting areas, communal roof terraces and the roof on [NAME]. It is also required to maintain the forecourt and parking areas, the services and fittings, the walls and boundary fences, the footpaths, the communal facilities, the lifts, the entry phone, entrance hall, passages, staircases and landing, and to paint all wood cement, plaster and ironwork. They are also to insure.

6. [NAME] have covenanted to pay a service [NAME] to CHR being a fixed percentage of the costs incurred by the CHR in complying with the repairing and insuring covenants described above, and the proper and reasonable remuneration and expenses of the [NAME] and other agents servants or workmen as CHR decides to employ to comply with the covenants described above.

7. [COMPANY] has no obligation under the leases to carry out any works on [NAME], and no right to collect any service charges, unless CHR goes into liquidation or otherwise collapses.

The Issue

8. [NAME] is clad with an aluminium cladding board. Post the [NAME] disaster, a spotlight has turned on whether the building as a whole is safe. Essentially, the Applicants have been advised it is not. Furthermore, [NAME] (“[NAME]”) do not think it is either, and they have taken statutory enforcement action under the Housing Act 2004 to make it so. The [NAME] of [NAME] find themselves in a most challenging position. According to [NAME] and CHR’s own [NAME] [NAME] adviser, [NAME] is only safe to occupy at the moment if a [NAME] [NAME] is provided. That is very expensive. The value of the flats is likely to be minimal, at least whilst it is clad with combustible material. [NAME] may be facing financial ruin. Substantial amounts will need to be spent on [NAME].

9. There is possibly some light at the end of the tunnel, in that the government has launched the [NAME] (“[NAME]”), under which the costs of remediation may be recoverable. However, many detailed and technical issues will need to be skilfully navigated to access that fund. One of the technical areas is compliance with the legal framework that applies

4 to [NAME] leases under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (“the Act”). The Applicants take the view that they will need to ask [NAME] to pay for a substantial amount of the cost of getting from where they are now to a completed remediation. They are concerned about the process of consultation. If they don’t comply with the consultation requirements referred to in section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (“the Act”), or obtain dispensation from them, they will not be able to claim the costs they have spent, or the costs they think they need to spend from [NAME] to access the [NAME]. There are also some [NAME] [NAME] works that have been identified which cannot be included in any works undertaken under the [NAME].

10. The Applicants have therefore brought this application for dispensation from consultation.

11. Unusually, rather than request dispensation in respect of specifically identified works, the Applicants have applied for dispensation in respect of specific expenditure. In the table below, we have reorganised the information originally presented by the Applicants as we think it is easier to understand if we identify expenditure that has already been incurred as opposed to anticipated expenditure. We have changed the descriptions of the proposed expenditure so that it more accurately reflects what the various reports and surveys have actually been called. We have removed the one item which was withdrawn during the hearing. Where actual quotes have now been provided, we have substituted the lowest quote figure for the estimates initially given. The historic and proposed expenditure for which the Applicants were requesting dispensation at the end of the hearing is:

Description Net (£) Gross incl VAT (£) [NAME] [NAME] costs (incurred and to be incurred) 160,965.00 193,158.00 Costs already incurred FRC intrusive inspection and report 19 May 2020 7,190.00 8,628.00 [NAME] report (instructed by FRC) 4 [NAME] 2020 5,619.00 6,742.80 FRC budgetary cost plan 2,495.00 2,994.00 [COMPANY] as per quote 2 [NAME] (and actually expended) comprising: Preparation of a [NAME] strategy report 4,200.00 840.00 [NAME] risk assessment 675.00 135.00 [NAME] door survey 1,890.00 378.00 [NAME] 1,890.00 378.00 General advice and Council liaison 4,200.00 840.00 Costs proposed to be incurred

5 Costs to [NAME] doors and compartmentation work – using [NAME] figures 31,604.00 37,924.80 Costs for armoured cable using [NAME] figures 2,495.00 2,994.00 FRC building contract prelim costs as per quote 16 [NAME] 2020 69,525.00 83,430.00 [NAME] 14,462.20 17,354.64 [NAME] 283,880.42 340,656.50 Totals 591,090.62 709,308.74

12. The question for us is therefore whether to grant dispensation from consultation for the underlying works anticipated in this actual and proposed expenditure.

The hearing

13. A video hearing took place on 7 September 2020. [NAME] [NAME] presented the case on behalf of the Applicants. Also attending on behalf of the Applicants were [NAME] [NAME] and [NAME] [NAME]. The Tribunal had the benefit of attendance by the [NAME] team instructed by the Applicants: [redacted]

14. A number of [NAME] also attended. As it was a [NAME] hearing, it is not known exactly who was on the meeting, but at various points, the Tribunal heard from [NAME] [NAME], [NAME] & [NAME] [NAME], [NAME] [NAME], [NAME] [NAME[NAME], [NAME] [NAME], and [NAME].

15. A bundle of selected documents was provided by the Applicants. Although the Tribunal had directed that the Applicants provide a statement explaining the purpose of the application and the reasons for it, what was provided was a single sheet with 20 lines of text, which was entirely inadequate to fully explain the factual context and the reasons as to why the Applicants felt they needed to make the application. The hearing therefore proceeded by the Judge conducting a structured exploration with the Applicants of the background and reasons for the application. Most of the questions were answered by [NAME] [NAME]. She passed some of the questions to other members of the Applicants’ team as necessary. From the replies to these questions, and the documentation supplied, the following factual resume, which we find to be the factual context under which we need to make our determination, explains the application.

6 The facts

16. Following the [NAME] [NAME], [NAME] [NAME] sought some information from the [NAME] when it was originally constructed about the cladding. The [NAME] wrote to him on 26 July 2017 stating that the cladding used had been a [NAME] Panel, which was a composite panel with a colour-coated aluminium outer sheet (0.7mm thick) with a polyurethane foam core. The [NAME] said that this material complied with building regulations at the time it was installed.

17. At around the end of 2019, the statutory authorities began to contact [COMPANY], as [NAME], concerning the construction of [NAME]. [NAME] [NAME] was not able to provide a detailed historical account of these contacts. She read out a letter to us which referred to a letter from [NAME] dated 30 October 2019 asking for information. That letter had not been in the bundle. She provided a copy of a letter dated 15 November 2019 from [NAME] asking for data on external wall materials for tall buildings over 18m that was required by MHCLG. It is not clear to whom that letter was sent; there is no addressee shown on it. Whether it was received by [NAME], CHR or [NAME] is not clear. However, it does seem that no timely reply was sent.

18. [NAME] [NAME] was able to recall that [NAME] were chasing to arrange an inspection of [NAME]. She mentioned a Joint Local Authority Inspection Team. She said she thought an inspection had taken place on 11 or 12 February 2020. No documentation was provided regarding this inspection. If it was a statutory inspection by [NAME], perhaps jointly with the [NAME], it is almost certain that it would have been preceded by, and followed up with, letters and/or notices. It is surprising to the Tribunal that the Applicants do not have and have not produced this documentation.

19. In the budget on 11 March 2020, the government announced the establishment of a new £1bn fund for the remediation of non-ACM Cladding Systems in England. In May 2020, the prospectus was issued. The fund is called the [NAME] (“[NAME]”). Registration for the fund could commence on 1 [NAME] 2020. The fund was intended to cover the cost of works directly related to the replacement of unsafe non-ACM cladding systems, fees of the [NAME] team in respect of those works and [NAME] agents’ fees in respect of administering the qualifying expenditure. The fund does not cover ongoing revenue costs, such as the cost of interim [NAME] measures.

20. At some point between November 2019 and the end of April 2020, it seems that the Applicants began to get into gear regarding the cladding and [NAME] [NAME] issues at [NAME]. [COMPANY] (“FRC”) were instructed, probably in April, to carry out an intrusive inspection of the external wall system and fixtures including all associated components

7 and to report their findings. The report was commissioned in response to the [NAME].

21. Eight sample tests were carried out on eight relevant areas of [NAME]. The Area 1 test was of steel frame external balconies that run vertically. Although these used a timber handrail, the risk from these balconies was considered to be extremely low. The tests to Areas 2, 3 and 8 established that the external cladding consisted of a 2mm PPC Aluminium layer, through to a core of 53mm rigid foam insulation before an internal face of 2mm aluminium – i.e. a sandwich panel. Behind the panel was a large empty cavity with varying amounts of additional mineral wool insulation. There was no evidence of cavity closers or barriers within the voids. The cladding in [NAME] was a render of a sand/cement product which had been applied to 50mm thick expanded polystyrene (“EPS”) insulation. The [NAME] test was an attempt to visually inspect the curtain glazing panels in the commercial premises on the south east elevation. The test could not be completed as the glazing panels were not accessible. Tests on Areas 6 and 7, found the external cladding consisted of a 25mm brick slip product applied to 40mm thick EPS insulation, which the report concluded was combustible.

22. FRC’s conclusion was that the façade to [NAME] would be unlikely to pass a BS8414-2 test. It is therefore unlikely to comply with clause B4(a) of the Building Regulations. They therefore recommended remedial work in accordance with the MHCLG Advice for Building Owners of Multi-storey, Multi-occupied Residential Buildings.

23. FRC conducted their survey on 29 April 2020. Their report was dated 19 May 2020. The cost was £8,628.00 including VAT. This included the cost of the EWS1 form referred to below.

24. On 4 May 2020, [NAME] issued an improvement notice in respect of [NAME]. The Tribunal was unable to elicit from the Applicants what steps had occurred leading up to the issue of this notice. The Tribunal would normally expect an inspection would have taken place under section 239 Housing Act 2004, but [NAME] [NAME] was unable to confirm whether this was the case. It may have been the inspection that she mentioned might have taken place on 11/12 February. That an inspection had taken place is evident from the Improvement Notice itself. We were disappointed that [NAME] [NAME] seemed unaware of significant events at the building which she was [NAME].

25. The Improvement Notice was in respect of the hazard of [NAME], which was considered by [NAME] to be a category 1 hazard. The notice described the deficiencies at [NAME] as being inadequate [NAME] risk assessment, inadequate [NAME] stopping and compartmentation, including gaps in the [NAME] doors, missing intumescent strips, some damaged [NAME] doors, combustible items in all riser units, lack of routine testing and servicing of the [NAME]

8 fighting lift, failure to record time taken for [NAME] drills, and lack of testing of the smoke control systems.

26. Sixteen remedial actions were required. Some involved works to the physical structures and fittings at [NAME]. These were primarily works to [NAME] doors and to the [NAME] fighting lift, both of which sets of work required a [NAME] survey first to identify the precise works required. The date on which remedial action was to start was given as 3 [NAME] 2020, and the remedial action was to be completed within 6 months (i.e. by 2 December 2020). Provision of a [NAME] [NAME] was not required in the Improvement Notice.

27. On 28 May 2020, a [NAME] [NAME] from the Environmental Health Department of [NAME] emailed [NAME] [NAME] to say that an additional risk to the [NAME] at [NAME] had been identified and she said a [NAME] [NAME] should be implemented as a temporary measure until the [NAME] had decided whether the building was safe to occupy in its current state. She said she had been unable to contact “your consultant” to discuss.

28. On 29 May 2020, [NAME] [NAME], Principal Environmental Health Officer at [NAME], sent another email to [NAME] [NAME] at 12.02 to say that he and [NAME] [NAME] had been constantly calling her over the last hour to ascertain the position regarding a [NAME] [NAME]. He said that failure to put a [NAME] [NAME] in place by the end of that day could result in closure, or partial closure, of [NAME].

29. [NAME] [NAME] replied at 14.00. She said that [NAME] (a [NAME] [NAME] provider) had verbally confirmed they would provide [NAME] [NAME] cover. There is a second email, this time from [NAME] [NAME] to [NAME] [NAME], also on 29 May, thanking her for “getting this organised so quickly”. [NAME] [NAME] also gave notice in that email that she intended to carry out a section 239 inspection at 12 noon, which was possibly intended for that time on the following working day as 29 May was a Friday.

30. It appears from the contents of an email dated 5 [NAME] 2020 from [NAME] [NAME] that a meeting did indeed take place on Monday 1 [NAME] 2020. In his email, [NAME] [NAME] said that at the meeting “you gave us assurances that you were going to communicate face to face information in relation to the [NAME] [NAME]” to the [NAME]. He requested further detailed information regarding compliance with that assurance. He also arranged for service on [NAME] of a notice under section 16 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 seeking information about [NAME]’s interest in [NAME]. That was responded to by [NAME] on 18 [NAME] 2020. We do not know if the reply was considered satisfactory by [NAME]. We do not know if a formal section 239 inspection took place on 1 [NAME], and if so its outcome.

9 31. Invoices have been provided which show that [NAME] have been charging the sum of £2,268 plus VAT per week for a [NAME] [NAME] service from 30 May 2020. The contractor was changed though in early July to [NAME], who are charging £2,058 plus VAT per week.

32. On 1 [NAME] 2020, [NAME] applied to register under the terms of the prospectus for the [NAME]. No documentation regarding this process has been supplied to the Tribunal, or we understand to [NAME].

33. In their report dated 19 May 2020, FRC recommended that due to the presence of combustible insulation, a holistic [NAME] [NAME] review, undertaken by a qualified [NAME] was also required to confirm the interim [NAME] [NAME] measures that might be needed.

34. FRC therefore commissioned [COMPANY], a firm specialising in advising on [NAME] issues, to prepare a [NAME] [NAME] review of their report. A report dated 4 [NAME] was prepared. It identified that [NAME] currently has a strategy of full simultaneous evacuation in the event of [NAME]. There is a [NAME] detection and alarm system which extends into the flats. It is linked to ADT who would request [NAME] attendance in the event of alarm activation. It further concluded:

a. The existing aluminium panels should be replaced; b. An annual [NAME] risk assessment should be carried out for [NAME]; c. A [NAME] [NAME] should be implemented; d. An action plan should be developed for the remedial works to the external façade; e. Cars should be removed from the car parking area adjacent to the external cladding; f. A new [NAME] strategy should be developed.

35. The [NAME] [NAME] [NAME] review report cost £6,742.80 including VAT. It was invoiced by FRC as it had been directly commissioned by them.

36. Also, on 4 [NAME] 2020, and possibly as part of the work carried out by [NAME] in preparing their report of that date, [NAME] [NAME] of [NAME] issued a form EWS1. The form concluded that an adequate standard of [NAME] is not achieved at [NAME]. The Tribunal understands the impact of the issue of this form with that conclusion is that mortgage lenders would not lend to buyers of the individual flats, which effectively have become unsaleable.

37. It is clear that the [NAME] [NAME] [NAME] review referred to above was commissioned via FRC. But is appears [NAME] were also in direct contact with [NAME] regarding engaging their services. The Tribunal was provided with a fee quotation from them dated 2 [NAME] 2020 offering the following services:

10 Preparation of a [NAME] strategy report £4,200.00 [NAME] risk assessment £675.00 [NAME] door survey £1,890.00 [NAME] £1,890.00 General advice and Council liaison £4,200.00 Total £12,855.00

plus VAT

38. On 15 [NAME] 2020, the Applicants sent a notice of intention to carry out works (under section 20 of the Act) to [NAME]. At paragraph 2, the notice said that:

“1. It is the intention of [COMPANY] [NAME], [NAME], Nottingham [POSTCODE] to enter into an agreement to carry out works in respect of which we are required to consult [NAME]… .

2. The works/services to be carried out under the agreement are as follows:

Costs incurred for [NAME] [NAME] as required by [NAME] incurred to carry out [NAME] and Compartmentation inspection and quote for works as requested by [NAME] Department [NAME] and costs for works – as request by [NAME] and Nottingham Environmental Health Department Consultancy fees to advise and produce [NAME] as requested by [NAME] Department Further consultancy costs that may be involved in relation to the above”

39. On 16 [NAME] 2020, FRC sent the Applicants a fee proposal for the provision of [NAME] services to facilitate the implementation of remedial works to the cladding. This contemplates preparation of the brief, design, statutory and third-party liaison, including planning and building control approvals, preparation of tender documents, and awarding the contract. It does not include [NAME] fees in connection with the supervision of the works. At the hearing, [NAME] [NAME] of FRC said the form of contract was not known at this stage. It might be a standard JCT contract run by the client’s [NAME] team, or it might be a [NAME]) contract. Under the first form, the supervisory [NAME] fees would be payable by the client. He would be requesting 8.5% of the contract price if he were engaged. If the second form of contract were used, the contractor would pick up the [NAME] fees.

40. The fee proposal was for a sum in the region of £83,430, including VAT. It would vary slightly dependent upon the form of contract used as handover and close out fees would be required if a standard form of contract were used, whereas they would not if a JCT WCD form was used.

11

41. At the hearing, the Judge asked [NAME] whether she thought the proposed contract with [COMPANY] in connection with the contract for the remediation works was a contract for works (meaning works on a building) or a [NAME] term qualifying agreement. She plumped for arguing it was a qualifying [NAME]-term agreement as the work was likely to last more than 12 months. [NAME] [NAME] said that he was unaware of the precise termination provisions in his [NAME] contracts.

42. On the same date – 16 [NAME] 2020 – FRC also provided a budgetary cost plan for the remedial works to the cladding. This set out in more detail the constructions works that would be required and provided a cost estimate of £3,339,769.68, to include design work and project management. It is not clear whether this amount included VAT. We suspect not.

43. FRC charged [NAME] the sum of £2,994.00 including VAT for preparing this budgetary cost plan.

44. [NAME] [NAME] said that his firm was a specialist firm dealing with building façade issues and he was heavily involved with other projects also seeking government funding under the [NAME]. There was a cut-off date of 31 December 2020 by when all details relating to each project were required to be provided to MHCLG. [NAME] firm was instructed to do the preliminary work, it was vital that they should be instructed urgently, as availability of people with the experience required to do this work competently was in short supply, and there was little time left to meet the 31 December 2020 deadline.

45. On 2 July 2020, [NAME] facilitated a Zoom meeting with [NAME] to inform them of the situation regarding the works to the cladding. FRC attended this meeting, for which they charged £595 plus VAT. CHR had requested that the Tribunal grant dispensation from consultation requirements in relation to this meeting. At the hearing they withdrew that request.

46. Clearly, at some point [NAME] instructed [NAME] to proceed with the works for which they had quoted on 2 [NAME] 2020. On 17 July 2020, [NAME] provided a [NAME] risk assessment as per their quote for which they charged £675 plus VAT. They also provided a [NAME] strategy for £4,200.00 plus VAT. The Tribunal has not been shown copies of either document.

47. [NAME] have also carried out the two further surveys for which it had quoted on 2 [NAME]: namely a survey of the [NAME] doors and a survey of the [NAME] stopping. These surveys are in the form of a detailed list of all items requiring attention, in the case of the compartmentation survey, including photographs.

48. The surveys were required by [NAME] in the Improvement Notice, and they are needed to identify what works are required to the [NAME] doors, the riser

12 cupboard doors, and the compartmentation works against which CHR can obtain quotes. In supplementary documents only provided in late August 2020, it appears that the Applicants have obtained two quotes for the work on the [NAME] doors and compartmentation works as specified in the two surveys by [NAME]. The first is from a company simply described as “[NAME]”. No address is given. Their quote is £48,080.21 including VAT. The second is from [NAME]. Again, no address is given. They quote £37,924.80. The quotes were for the works that had been specified in the [NAME] referred to above. No copies of any correspondence regarding these works has been provided, nor have any details of the experience and qualifications either of these firms have to carry out this work. Time scales for [NAME] out the work and arrangements for payment have not been given. The selection process has not been explained.

49. It appears that there is a need for some additional electrical work, in the form of provision of a new [NAME]-rated armoured cable to supply the fireman’s lift at [NAME]. Two competitive quotes have been provided. One is from [NAME], in Bulwell, Nottingham, who quoted £6,600 plus VAT. The other is from [NAME] in [NAME] who quoted £2,595.00. He does not ask for VAT, though [NAME] have indicated they think he should be charging it. Again, there is no documentation to explain why this new cable is required, or how these proposed contractors have been selected, though we think it is probable the need for the electrical work stems from the requirement in the Improvement Notice that the lift had to comply with BS EN 81-72:2015.

50. On 18 August 2020, CHR sent a notice under section 20B of the Act informing [NAME] that estimated costs of £1,000,000 would be incurred in the financial year ending 28 February 2021 relating to [NAME], Health and [NAME] issues on [NAME] and the service [NAME] budget for 2020/21.

The Law

51. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (as amended) imposes statutory controls over the amount of service [NAME] that can be charged to [NAME]. If a service [NAME] is a “relevant cost” under section 18, then the costs incurred can only be taken into account in the service [NAME] if they are reasonably incurred or works carried out are of a reasonable standard (section 19).

52. Section 20 imposes another control. It (and the regulations made under it) limits the [NAME]’s contribution towards a service [NAME] to £250 for “qualifying works”, and to £100 for payments due under a “qualifying [NAME] term agreement” unless “consultation requirements” have been either complied with or dispensed with. There are thus two options for a person seeking to collect a service [NAME] for either works on the building or other premises costing more than £250 or payments for services under

13 a [NAME] term agreement (i.e. for a term of more than 12 months) costing more than £100. The two options are: comply with “consultation requirements” or obtain dispensation from them.

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

“(1) Where an application is made to the [NAME] tribunal for a determination to dispense with all or any of the consultation requirements in relation to any qualifying works or qualifying [NAME] term agreement, the tribunal may make the determination if satisfied that it is reasonable to dispense with the requirements.

(2) In section 20 and this section—

“qualifying works” means works on a building or any other premises, and

“qualifying [NAME] term agreement” means (subject to subsection (3)) an agreement entered into, by or on behalf of the landlord or a [NAME], for a term of more than twelve months.

54. To comply with consultation requirements a [NAME] has to follow procedures set out in the Service Charges (Consultation Requirements) (England) Regulations 2003 (see section 20ZA(4)). We shall not summarise the process here in detail. In general summary terms, an initial notice must be served describing the work to be carried out in general terms and the reasons why it is necessary. The recipients have 30 days to respond, after which the landlord has to obtain estimates from any contractor suggested, prepare a “paragraph b” statement summarising the estimates and responses received and inviting representations within 30 days to which the landlord must also have regard. A consultation is therefore likely to require around 2-3 months to complete.

55. To obtain dispensation, an application has to be made to the [NAME] Tribunal who may grant it if it is satisfied that it is reasonable to dispense with the consultation requirements (section 20ZA(1) of the Act).

56. The Tribunal’s role in an application under section 20ZA is therefore not to decide whether it would be reasonable to carry out the works or enter into the [NAME] term agreement, but to decide whether it would be reasonable to dispense with the consultation requirements.

57. The Supreme Court case of [COMPANY] v [NAME] [2013] UKSC 14; [2013] 1 WLR 854 (hereafter [NAME]) sets out the current authoritative jurisprudence on section 20ZA. This case is binding on the Tribunal. [NAME] requires the Tribunal to focus on the extent to which the [NAME] would be prejudiced if the landlord did not consult under the

14 consultation regulations. It is for the landlord to satisfy the Tribunal that it is reasonable to dispense with the consultation requirements; it is for the [NAME] to establish that there is some relevant prejudice which they would or might suffer, and for the landlord then to rebut that case.

58. The Tribunal may impose conditions on the grant of dispensation. Commonly, a Tribunal might require that the landlord should pay the [NAME] costs of seeking dispensation.

59. The general approach to be adopted by the Tribunal, following [NAME], has been summarised recently in paragraph 17 of the judgement of His Honour Judge Stuart Bridge in [NAME] v [NAME] [2020] UKUT 0177 (LC) as follows:

“The exercise of the jurisdiction to dispense with the consultation requirements stands or falls on the issue of prejudice. If the tenants fail to establish prejudice, the tribunal must grant dispensation, and in such circumstances dispensation may well be unconditional, although the tribunal may impose a condition that the landlord pay any costs reasonably incurred by the tenants in resisting the application. If the tenants succeed in proving prejudice, the tribunal may refuse dispensation, even on robust conditions, although it is more likely that conditional dispensation will be granted, the conditions being set to compensate the tenants for the prejudice they have suffered.”

60. Another question that often arises in dispensation cases is that of aggregation. If a series of small costs need to be incurred on the same job, do they need to be added up such that consultation is required if combined they exceed the statutory maximum of £250? Might a number of individual items have to considered as a single set of works to which the consultation requirements might apply? This question was resolved in the Court of Appeal case of [NAME] [2014] EWCA Civ 1395. The [NAME] said that:

“It is not in issue that the question of what a single set of qualifying works comprises is one of fact. It is a multi-factorial question the answer to which should be determined in a common sense way taking into account all relevant circumstances. Relevant factors are likely to include (i) where the items of work are to be carried out (whether they are contiguous to or physically far removed from each other); (ii) whether they are the subject of the same contract; (iii) whether they are to be done at more or less the same time or at different times; and (iv) whether the items of work are different in character from, or have no connection with, each other. I emphasise that this is not intended to be an exhaustive list of factors which are likely to be relevant. Ultimately, it will be a question of fact and degree.”

15 61. The other legal issue that arises in this case relates to [NAME] term qualifying agreements. In [COMPANY] v [NAME] [2018] EWCA Civ 1102, the test of whether a contract is a LTQA was said by Lord Justice McFarlane at para 37 to be:

“… the deciding factor is the minimum length of the commitment. Indeed, this is what [NAME]. (as he then was) assumed in [COMPANY] v [COMPANY] [2010] EWHC 833 (Ch) (although the point was uncontroversial), where he noted

"30. Although the estate management deed has no fixed term, it is incapable of determination by [COMPANY] until the expiry of twenty-five years. Accordingly it is an agreement for more than twelve months." (emphasis added)”

The Respondents submissions

62. [NAME] sent representations to the Tribunal. They raised the following points:

a. The proposed costs are too high and unaffordable for [NAME];

b. The flow of information from CHR had been very poor and [NAME] did not feel they had been consulted. A single Zoom call where no more than 10 [NAME] attended was felt to be inadequate;

c. [NAME] had failed to respond to correspondence from the Council. Had they done so in a timely fashion, there would have been more time for meaningful consultation;

d. [NAME] was negligent when the building was constructed / converted. [NAME] should contribute to the costs;

e. The [NAME] [NAME] is not required at evenings and weekends, not 24/7;

f. The building has adequate [NAME] alarm systems and [NAME] would not be able to contact 101 apartments over 14 floors, so is not necessary;

g. [NAME] sits next to the [NAME] in the lobby all day and is not adding anything to [NAME] [NAME];

h. Alternatives to the [NAME] [NAME] have not been adequately explored bearing in mind the existing [NAME] protection arrangements;

16 i. The costs do not fall within the covenant in the lease, which limits the amounts [NAME] have to contribute to routine ongoing and miscellaneous expenses;

j. [NAME] feels he was misled by replies to Leasehold Property Enquiries completed by [NAME] when he purchased his flat;

k. Some of the costs should be recoverable from government funding;

l. The denial of liability by [NAME] and the [COMPANY] and/or architect for defective building work on the grounds that there is a defence under the Limitation Act is incorrect and should be challenged;

m. Granting the dispensation would mean [NAME] would have to pay more service [NAME];

n. CHR is not being run properly. A [NAME] complained that he had never been informed of any AGMs even though he is a shareholder;

o. Although CHR has [NAME] shareholders, it is not truly run for the benefit of [NAME];

p. The appointment of [NAME] should have been put out to tender;

q. [NAME] should not have to bear the costs of historic issues;

r. In respect of the costs that have already been incurred for which dispensation is sought, [NAME] have lost the opportunity to nominate contractors;

s. If it grants dispensation, the Tribunal should do so with a condition that prevented the Applicants from seeking payment of the costs to bring the building into compliance with building regulations and the demands of [NAME];

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

v. Some of the flats are being used in breach of the lease. The suggestion is that the person in alleged breach is the [NAME];

w. There is a conflict of interest in that as the management company receives a percentage of the building costs, it is in their interests for the costs to be high;

17 x. There should be more exploration of alternatives to the current suggestions, with particular reference to the [NAME].

63. At the video hearing, [NAME] made submissions to us. [NAME] pointed out that the purpose of consultation was to protect [NAME] from paying for improper works, or from paying costs that were too high. All the [NAME] expressed concern at the way [NAME] seemed to have been treated by the Applicants. They raised a perception of a conflict of interest, in that CHR and [NAME] seemed to be looking after the freeholders interests rather than [NAME]. Some complained about the lack of communication and discussion with [NAME] about how to resolve the [NAME] issues at [NAME]. There was a significant thread in the submissions indicating that [NAME] could not trust the Applicants to do the right thing by them, and concerns were expressed about the Applicants’ competence.

64. By reason of these points raised, [NAME]’ asked that the Tribunal should not grant dispensation because that would mean the Applicants would be relieved of the need to consult with [NAME], which they had shown they were incapable of doing unless forced to.

Discussion

65. We intend to limit this decision to the question raised in the application; should we grant dispensation from consultation. In our view, we should not endeavour to interpret the lease terms, or to consider whether costs have been or would be reasonably incurred. If any [NAME] brought proceedings, it would be for the Applicants to establish to the satisfaction of a future tribunal that the costs anticipated in this application were payable by [NAME].

66. We think the proposed works the Applicants wish us to grant dispensation for break down into five categories:

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

c. The proposed works on the [NAME] doors, compartmentation, and electrical cable

d. The proposed FRC work to progress the building remediation work

e. The management fees and building supervision fees that are anticipated should a contract for cladding remediation be entered into

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

18 67. The major difficulty we have is deciding whether the [NAME] [NAME] costs are costs for which the Applicants require dispensation at all. As can be seen from the text of section 20ZA above, consultation is only required in respect of “qualifying works” or a “qualifying [NAME] term agreement”. Works means “works on a building or other premises”. To our mind, works on a building means physical works on a building. The language in the consultation requirements is all about physical works. It talks of works to be “carried out”. It invites “estimates”.

68. In our view, the provision of personnel to attend a building to [NAME] for [NAME] is not a contract of works but a contract for a service. The core subject matter of the contract is the provision of human resources. There is nothing that the [NAME] have to do to the building.

69. A contract for service can easily be terminated. In contrast, works on a building cannot easily be undone. We think the point of the consultation provisions is to give [NAME] a say on expenditure that makes a physical change to the building before money is spent that may be unnecessary, or too much is spent. Expenditure on works and expenditure on services are fundamentally different, and we do not think the Act was intended to bring in consultation requirements for the latter.

70. There is no evidence that the contract for a [NAME] [NAME] is a QLTA in this case. Indeed, the contrary, as the first contract was terminated fairly quickly, and presumably legally.

71. In relation to the [NAME] [NAME] therefore, we refuse to grant dispensation from the consultation requirements as we do not think they apply anyway.

72. This determination should not be taken as a decision that the [NAME] [NAME] costs are reasonably incurred, or payable under the lease. [NAME] have argued that insufficient account has been taken of the existing [NAME] alarm protections, and that the [NAME] is not adding any value, at least during office hours when a [NAME] is present, or could not do the job of raising the alarm anyway. It may be this cost is not covered by the lease. The Applicants of course will argue that they have no choice but to do what they are told by [NAME] (supported by their adviser). These may all be valid arguments, but we have not explored them in this decision. These arguments raise the question of whether the [NAME] [NAME] cost is reasonably incurred, and if the Applicants or Respondents wish for certainty on that question, they will need to make a separate application under section 27A of the Act. They do not affect whether dispensation should be granted.

b. Expenditure already incurred to pay [NAME] for the [NAME] items listed in the table at paragraph 11 above

73. It is necessary to establish the consultation threshold; the amount of a proposed cost which might result in an [NAME] being charged

19 more than £250. If the proposed cost is below that threshold, there is no need to consult in any event, even if the expenditure is for qualifying works. We were told by [NAME] [NAME] by separate enquiry after the hearing that the highest percentage service [NAME] contribution payable by any [NAME] is 2.265%. The threshold is therefore £11,037.52. There would be many [NAME] whose percentage contribution is below that figure, but payment of any sum above the threshold exposes the CHR to the risk of under recovery of 100% of the cost incurred if the payment is for works on a building and there has been no consultation or dispensation. Conversely, if the payment is for a sum below the threshold, even if for works on a building, there is no need to consult as no [NAME] will be charged more than £250 anyway.

74. All of the items listed in the table in paragraph 11 as already incurred costs are below the threshold. We therefore have to consider whether they need to be considered as a single set of works which together exceed the consultation threshold.

75. As we have reviewed the factual narrative above, we have become convinced that each of the items for which expenditure has already been incurred was separately considered, contracted for at different times, for a different service and for different purposes, and by two different organisations. We do not think that, following [NAME] v [NAME], they should be aggregated. We are also far from persuaded that the individual elements are for qualifying works.

76. The story started in late April with a decision to obtain a report from FRC on the cladding. At that point it was not known what conclusion the consultant would [NAME]. It is not reasonable to expect the Applicants to anticipate that aggregate costs of subsequent decisions to do more work might [NAME] such a total that they should have consulted when instructing FRC to prepare their intrusive inspection.

77. What came out of the FRC report was a need for a further advisory report from [NAME]. Again, it would not have been known at that point what further work [NAME] would suggest, nor that the Applicants would follow their advice and incur such further costs, and the decision to commission it was a separate decision. The [NAME] report was also not, in our view “works on a building”.

78. Then FRC prepared a budgetary cost plan costing £2,994 incl VAT. This was potentially the very early incubatory stage of the process of placing a building contract for the remediation works. But again, we are not of the view that these consultancy costs were works on a building, nor that if they were, it was necessary to aggregate them with the cost of works which might follow so that they exceeded the threshold and consultation should have occurred. A common-sense approach has to be taken and it is a matter of fact or degree. The amount of the cost for the plan at around £30 per flat (apportioned equally) is in our view at such an early stage that it

20 would stretch practicality were we to find that the Applicants should have consulted on this expenditure, bearing in mind that there was no knowing then (and still now) whether that contract will be able to progress.

79. Finally, three of the five additional services carried out by [NAME] (see page K6 of the bundle) were not primarily works on a building. An invoice was raised for all of them together, but they were separately itemised. In respect of the [NAME] risk assessment, the preparation of a [NAME] strategy, and the consultancy advice and general liaison, these do not involve any works on a building, and each has a distinct and separate purpose. Not only do we think each of these are separate items each falling below the threshold, and they should not be aggregated, but we also think they are not works on a building.

For these reasons there is no obligation to consult on these items.

80. There is a case, just as for the FRC budgetary cost plan, for saying that the costs of the [NAME] door survey and the [NAME] (each £1,890 plus VAT) are the preliminary stages of the proposed works to rectify those elements. But again, this raises the question of at what point the Applicants have to stop what they are doing and start a consultation or seek dispensation. Our view is that they should do that at the point where it becomes clear that the Applicant’s will have to incur expenditure on works that may exceed the threshold. We do not think on the facts that proceeding with these surveys to enable the scope of work to be identified at relatively minimal cost, on the facts of this case, is the point at which those survey costs need to be aggregated with the future costs so as to require that consultation should have taken place at that point.

81. So for the two survey fees charged by [NAME] we determine that consultation is not necessary for they fall below the threshold.

82. We qualify this part of the determination with the same qualification we have issued above. Our determination is not to be taken as confirmation that the expenditure in this section was permitted expenditure under the lease, or reasonably incurred. Those questions would be for a section 27A application. We have not seen all of the material which justified the need for the works which are the subject of the surveys, nor the invitations to tender or the terms of that tender, or details of the tenderer selection process.

83. We take the view that the cost of a new cable for the lift shaft is essentially part of the cost of remedial work to the non-cladding [NAME] [NAME] works required. There is no doubt that these works are works on a building and they are over the threshold such that either consultation or dispensation are required.

21 84. We therefore have to determine whether to grant dispensation. We have to consider whether it would be reasonable to do so, bearing in mind the prejudice to [NAME]. It we do grant dispensation, [NAME] will have lost the opportunity to comment and possibly to persuade the Applicants to do things differently. They will also have lost the opportunity to suggest other contractors. We are also mindful of the fact that these works cannot be recovered under the [NAME], for they are not for the replacement of cladding. We also note that [NAME] have only known about the estimates obtained since the last week or so of August. We know nothing about the process that resulted in these estimates being produced.

85. Despite our concerns about the impact upon [NAME] as described above, we will grant dispensation for these works. The reason is that the building is subject to an Improvement Notice and the Applicants must either challenge the Notice or arrange for the works required in that Notice to be completed by 2 December. In our view there is insufficient time to conduct a full-scale consultation. The risk of non-compliance with the Improvement Notice, involving the possibility of committing a criminal offence; or having a civil penalty imposed, and/or of a prohibition notice being issued, is too great. We also take into account that these works will increase the [NAME] protection capability at [NAME], which must be to the advantage of the [NAME] and may have an impact upon the continuing need for a [NAME] [NAME]. We also note that two quotes have been obtained. The Applicants will need to progress these works and do so urgently.

86. We gave very careful consideration to the question of imposing conditions upon this dispensation. In particular, we considered whether there was enough time to require the Applicants to consider any alternative contractors suggested by [NAME]. Although finely balanced, we took the view that in the absence of evidence to the contrary it appeared the selection of the contractors was above board and reasonable, and they were quoting against a professionally prepared specification from the Applicants’ [NAME] [NAME] adviser. We were mindful of the time pressures upon the Applicants to do these works. We took the view that no conditions we might impose would reduce the prejudice [NAME] had already suffered from the failure to consult adequately, but we did not consider that prejudice could be remedied by conditions or quantified in financial terms.

87. Once again, this is not to be taken as approval of the reasonableness of the proposed expenditure.

d. The proposed FRC work to progress the building remediation contract, estimated at £69,525.00 plus VAT

88. It became clear to us at the hearing that [NAME] [NAME] has a good level of expertise regarding the specialist field of cladding remediation following [NAME]. His evidence was that it was urgent for the Applicants to move

22 to the next step of preparing their submission to the [NAME]. It would be tragic for all [NAME] at [NAME] if that application failed because of delay arising from the need to consult on his engagement.

89. We have carefully considered whether consultation is needed at all. After all, FRC will not be [NAME] on any works on the building. But unlike [NAME] [NAME] costs, [NAME] risk assessment costs, liaison with the Council, and preparation of a [NAME] strategy, all of which seems to us about providing a service, not works, it is undeniable that the work proposed in designing, applying for planning and building regulation consent, preparing tender documents and entering into a contract is so closely related to the [NAME] out of building works that we are of the view that there would be a legal obligation to consult.

90. Indeed, we consider that were this not a rather abnormal situation, this would be the point at which a full consultation not just in relation to the [NAME] prelims, but in relation to all the cladding remediation works would be required. So, we do consider this proposed fee would be a contract for works on which consultation would be required.

91. We have considered [NAME] [NAME] argument that the proposed contract with FRC would be a QLTA, rather than a contract for works on a building. We reject that argument. We have considered whether we should adjourn to obtain a copy of the proposed contract, to satisfy ourselves on that point. However, the Tribunal is an expert Tribunal, and we have never come across a [NAME] appointment in this situation which would be likely to be a QLTA. Our view is that it is not normal for appointments such as this to contain a term that makes them non-terminable within 12 months. We think that the nature of this type of contract is that it is job specific rather than time specific. It is not a question of whether it could last more than 12 months, which it very well may. It is a question of whether it has a minimum term such that it is incapable of determination within 12 months. We have decided that the contract is a contract for works, and not a QLTA.

92. So, should we grant dispensation for this item? In our view, the decisive factor is time. The Applicants must pursue their application to the [NAME] with maximum diligence and speed. Dependent upon their contract negotiations, they may have to fund FRC’s fees up-front even though there is a high chance of them ultimately being paid by the [NAME].

93. [NAME] were to voluntarily fund these fees, it is difficult to see how FRC’s fees could be funded other than via the service [NAME], and the only way funds could be collected via that route is if we give dispensation in relation to this item. Even if there is a case for suing the [NAME], their [NAME], the Council, [NAME] or anyone else, there is no chance whatsoever that such routes could produce funds to progress the [NAME] quickly enough.

23 94. We therefore grant dispensation from consultation in respect of the proposal to engage an [NAME] [NAME] adviser to progress the necessary work on the building contract and the application for funding under the [NAME], which FRC said at the hearing would mean instructing them or a similar firm to do the work set out in their budgetary cost plan.

95. Again, we have carefully considered whether any conditions should be imposed. We cannot formulate any conditions that we think would reduce any prejudice likely to be suffered by [NAME] that would not also jeopardise the speedy progress of the [NAME], for which this contract is essential.

96. Our usual warning about this determination not being our approval of the reasonableness of this expenditure applies with greater force here. This determination is not to be taken as confirmation that the cost of the FRC work would ultimately fall to the [NAME]. We make this point because there is a high degree of expectation that the FRC fee would eventually be funded by the government, and any fees paid would therefore be refunded to CHR to be credited to the service [NAME] account. Any departure from this expectation would be likely to result in a reasonableness challenge under section 27A of the Act.

e. The management fees and building supervision fees that are anticipated should a contract for cladding remediation be awarded

97. If the [NAME] fails, it may eventually be necessary for [NAME] to fund remediation works themselves. If so, they would not just be liable for the proposed fees anticipated under this heading; they would be asked to pay for the [NAME] as well. On the basis of the FRC budgetary cost estimate, the total would be likely to be between £3 - 4m.

98. It is far too premature to grant dispensation for a small part of the costs that may be sought from [NAME] if this eventuality were to come to pass. If it were, the tribunal cannot see any reason at this stage why [NAME] should not have the benefit of full statutory consultation in relation to those works.

99. This element of the application is refused.

100. We now need to provide a response to [NAME]’ written and oral representations. We should comment that in our view the informal consultation that had taken place thus far does seem to us to be inadequate to develop any confidence in [NAME] that the Applicants are competent, acting transparently, or deserve the trust and confidence of [NAME]. We make this comment because the evidence presented to us was that there had been no attempt to communicate the approach the Applicants were taking to the [NAME] issues, and to provide adequate documentation, apart from one Zoom meeting, which was sparsely attended. We hope the Applicants will substantially improve their

24 communications with [NAME]. We need to say that we have no power to require this and we offer our comment in the hope that it is helpful, rather than it being enforceable.

101. Our decision to grant dispensation has been finely balanced, but our view has been that the degree of urgency to progress the [NAME] works and compliance with the Improvement Notice have had to take precedence over the undoubted benefit that a proper consultation would have produced.

102. We simply say that if [NAME] have lost trust and confidence in CHR, there are other remedies available to them on which they should take advice.

103. The list of other points [NAME] made in their written observations raise possibly valid substantive issues which may require to be resolved. But this application is not the right place for consideration of claims for negligence, negligent misstatement, or oppression of a minority, nor consideration of the financial impact on [NAME], poor communication, recoverability of the costs under the lease, or the reasonableness of the service [NAME]. [NAME] who wish to do so will need to pursue those claims elsewhere.

Decision

104. We grant dispensation from the consultation requirements in section 20 of the Act for the following works:

a. Works on the [NAME] doors and compartmentation at [NAME] required for CHR to comply with the [NAME] [NAME] works required in relation to these items in the Improvement Notice from [NAME] dated 4 May 2020;

b. [NAME] costs to lead to a building contract to remediate the cladding system at [NAME] under the [NAME] scheme.

105. We refuse dispensation from consultation for all other costs or works referred to in the application.

Appeal

106. Any appeal against this decision must be made to the Upper Tribunal ([NAME]). Prior to making such an appeal the [NAME] must apply, in writing, to this Tribunal for permission to appeal within 28 days of the date of issue of this decision (or, if applicable, within 28 days of any decision on a review or application to set aside) identifying the decision to which the appeal relates, stating the grounds on which that

25 party intends to rely in the appeal, and stating the result sought by the party making the application.

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

FIRST-TIER TRIBUNAL [NAME] (RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY) Case reference : BIR/00FY/LDC/2020/0007 Property : [NAME], [NAME], Nottingham [POSTCODE] Applicant : [redacted] [APPELLANT] (2) Representative : None Respondents : [redacted] Property Representative : None Type of application : Application for the dispensation of all or any of the consultation requirements provided for by section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 Tribunal member : Judge C [NAME] [NAME] – [NAME] [NAME], CIEH

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

1. [NAME] is a 14-storey residential tower block in central Nottingham, let to 101 residential [NAME] [NAME] and two commercial units. It exceeds 50m in height. The [NAME] is owned by [COMPANY], whose directors are a [NAME] [NAME] and a [NAME] [NAME]. The shares are owned by [NAME] [NAME]. The secretary is [NAME[NAME].

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

14. A number of [NAME] also attended. As it was a [NAME] hearing, it is not known exactly who was on the meeting, but at various points, the Tribunal heard from [NAME] [NAME], [NAME] & [NAME] [NAME], [NAME] [NAME], [NAME] [NAME] [NAME], [NAME[NAME], [NAME[NAME], [NAME] [NAME], and [NAME].

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

15 61. The other legal issue that arises in this case relates to [NAME] term qualifying agreements. In [COMPANY]) [COMPANY] v [NAME] [2018] EWCA Civ 1102, the test of whether a contract is a LTQA was said by Lord Justice McFarlane at para 37 to be:

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

13. A video hearing took place on 7 September 2020. [NAME] [NAME] presented the case on behalf of the Applicants. Also attending on behalf of the Applicants were [NAME] [NAME] and [NAME] [NAME] [NAME]. The Tribunal had the benefit of attendance by the [NAME] team instructed by the Applicants: [redacted]

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

13. A video hearing took place on 7 September 2020. [NAME] [NAME] [NAME] presented the case on behalf of the Applicants. Also attending on behalf of the Applicants were [NAME] [NAME] and [NAME] [NAME]. The Tribunal had the benefit of attendance by the [NAME] team instructed by the Applicants: [redacted]

14. A number of [NAME] also attended. As it was a [NAME] hearing, it is not known exactly who was on the meeting, but at various points, the Tribunal heard from [NAME] [NAME], [NAME] & [NAME] [NAME], [NAME] [NAME], [NAME] [NAME[NAME], [NAME[NAME], [NAME] [NAME], and [NAME].

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

3. CHR has appointed a company called [COMPANY] to manage [NAME]. [NAME] [NAME] is a director of [NAME], and the secretary is [NAME]. [NAME] holds itself out to be a [COMPANY].

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

13. A video hearing took place on 7 September 2020. [NAME] [NAME] presented the case on behalf of the Applicants. Also attending on behalf of the Applicants were [NAME] [NAME] [NAME] and [NAME] [NAME]. The Tribunal had the benefit of attendance by the [NAME] team instructed by the Applicants: [redacted]

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

“… the deciding factor is the minimum length of the commitment. Indeed, this is what [NAME] [NAME]. (as he then was) assumed in [COMPANY] v [COMPANY] [2010] EWHC 833 (Ch) (although the point was uncontroversial), where he noted

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

29. [NAME] [NAME] replied at 14.00. She said that [NAME] (a [NAME] [NAME] provider) had verbally confirmed they would provide [NAME] [NAME] cover. There is a second email, this time from [NAME] [NAME] to [NAME], also on 29 May, thanking her for “getting this organised so quickly”. [NAME] [NAME] also gave notice in that email that she intended to carry out a section 239 inspection at 12 noon, which was possibly intended for that time on the following working day as 29 May was a Friday.

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

1

DECISION

© CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020

2 Covid-19 Pandemic: Remote Video Hearing

Background

The Leases

The Issue

The hearing

6 The facts

plus VAT

11

The Law

53. The wording of section 20ZA is as follows:

(2) In section 20 and this section—

The Respondents submissions

t. Upgrading the [NAME] alarms should be considered;

u. [NAME] are not liable for the external walls of [NAME];

Discussion

a. The [NAME] [NAME] costs

b. The expenditure that has already been incurred

a. [NAME] [NAME] costs

99. This element of the application is refused.

Decision

Appeal

Judge C [NAME] First-tier Tribunal ([NAME])

📊 How courts decide similar cases

Among 12 similar decisions in this collection:

A snapshot of this collection — not a prediction of your case's outcome.

⚖️ What tends to weigh in cases like this

✅ Tends to be accepted

  • The tribunal added the management company as an applicant because it was the party that could levy service charges, ensuring the substantive issue could be resolved.
  • The tribunal decided to describe all representations as being made by the three companies involved, as it was not possible to distinguish between them.
  • Dispensation from consultation requirements can be granted if the tribunal is satisfied that it is reasonable to do so.
  • The tribunal's role is to decide if it is reasonable to dispense with consultation requirements, not whether the works themselves are reasonable.
  • If tenants fail to establish prejudice, the tribunal must grant dispensation, potentially unconditionally.

Patterns observed in similar cases in this collection — every case is unique.

❓ Frequently asked questions

What did this decision decide?

The tribunal granted dispensation for certain fire safety works and preliminary costs related to cladding remediation but refused dispensation for other costs.

Who was involved?

The decision involved the freeholder and management company of a residential building, and the tenants of the building.

How did the court decide, and why?

The court decided to grant dispensation for certain works due to the urgency and necessity to comply with statutory obligations, while refusing others to ensure proper consultation.

Which laws or rules were applied?

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 Section 20 was applied.

What was the argument that mattered most?

The argument that mattered most was the urgency and necessity of the works to comply with statutory obligations.

Was the decision for or against the person who brought the case?

The decision was partly for and partly against the person who brought the case.

What does this mean for someone in a similar situation?

Someone in a similar situation might be able to seek dispensation for urgent works if they can demonstrate the necessity and urgency.

What evidence or documents mattered?

Evidence and documents related to the urgency and necessity of the works were important.

Can a decision like this be appealed?

Yes, any appeal against this decision must be made to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber).

Is it worth getting a solicitor for a case like this?

Yes, it is always recommended to get advice from a qualified solicitor for cases like this.

Official source: First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) headnote and full judgment reproduced from the court's public records. View on the official source ↗Summary, holding, technical summary and questions: produced by Artificial Intelligence based on the official headnote and judgment. These are VadeLab’s own material and are not the work of the Court.This decision was issued by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and is reproduced from its published records. VadeLab is not affiliated with, and this page is not endorsed by, that court or tribunal.