Residents have been questioning the electricity estimates and the costs of the ecological survey on the recent estate maintenance charges. HRRA contacted James Livesey-Clarke of Trinity. His reply is below:
“High Royds is an October year end. As such, when the 2022/23 budget was prepared in September 2022, it was done at a time when there was significant turmoil at Government level and a lack of support confirmed for residential communal supplies (eventually the energy bill discount scheme was formulated once Government stabilised).
“The budget for last year was therefore prepared at a time when there was utility crisis and bill levels were at their peak across the board with no support which is not the case anymore.
“Since that particular turbulent point in time, electricity costs have dropped, and better rates have become available for communal supplies which is reflected in the 2023/ 24 budget.
“In relation to the ecological survey, this figure is based on the costing of the 2022/23 survey. It has not been paid for yet as the finalised report has not yet been received. The visit parts of this survey have been completed (last one being 27th September, 2023), and the ecologists are now working on the report which they aim to have with the local authority by the end of the year at the latest. In terms of whether this will be the last report, it’s hard to say at this stage and it was something that came up at the liaison meeting last week. Ultimately, it will depend on what the ecology report states as to whether a further report is required.“
High Royds Residents' Association 