LEASEHOLDERS in Wincanton who have been hit with crippling service charge increases have had their plight raised in Parliament.

MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury & Somerton) highlighted the stories of leaseholder residents who have been hit with “extortionate service fee hikes, or locked into opaque and punitive contracts they can’t escape”.

Speaking in a debate on estate management companies, the MP described the case of Anne, a resident at Cavalier Way in Wincanton.

“Anne moved into a flat on Cavalier Way in Wincanton a year ago, having budgeted for a manageable service charge of £750,” she said.

“Within the last few months, she’s been hit with a shocking £7,000 invoice from RMG, the management company, to cover stairwell repairs without any consultation whatsoever.”

Other residents in Cavalier Way recently received notice of “astronomical” increases, with some seeing hikes of up to 400%, intended to cover critical repairs.

The costs, according to management firm RMG, should have been budgeted for by the previous management company and held in reserves.

But now, they are simply an unexpected financial burden on leaseholders.

Last week, Sarah visited residents in Wincanton to hear their concerns, having already successfully negotiated a 28-day pause on billing to allow them time to investigate potential financial mismanagement and explore legal options.

“The rise in charges for residents at Cavalier Way has been absolutely shocking,” she said after her visit. “For most people, a 400% rise is impossible to afford.

“It appears significant failings occurred with the previous management company, which was completely derelict in its duty to maintain proper financial reserves. Now leaseholders face huge bills for overdue maintenance.”

The MP said she was engaging with RMG, demanding answers and supporting residents in their investigations.

Back in Parliament, the MP also spoke about other companies she said habitually fail to offer transparency to residents.

“Unfortunately, ‘fleeceholder’ scenarios are becoming increasingly common nationwide,” she added.

“I’m committed to working with Liberal Democrat colleagues on legislation to better protect leaseholders and ensure no one faces sudden, crippling charges like these.

“Leaseholders should have peace of mind, not live in fear of unexpected financial shocks. I will continue to fight for fairer protections and transparency for all residents.”