Page 33 - 8_PBC to Begg OCR_8-4-16 (38pp)

Previously covered and well explained hopefully – a storm in a teacup over £16 I recall and I believed at the time totally sorted? Obviously not, unless Mrs Hillgarth has forgotten.
I have correspondence evidencing she has.
I repeat that following the consultation process it was agreed that A&R Lawrence & Sons Ltd should carry out full external and internal redecoration works at the tendered price of £105,019.38, (being £81,487.62 for externals and £23,531.76 for internals). It was also explicitly stated in the board minutes of MHML of 23 May 2014, that A&R Lawrence had been appointed to carry out the external and internal refurbishments.
True.
Once a specification/schedule of work has been approved by the leaseholders under the Section 20 process, and contractors approved to carry it out, it is not open to you, except with the consent of your leaseholders, to deviate unilaterally from the approved scheme of work, or to decide that you will use different contractors. The leaseholders paid to have the work carried out by properly qualified skilled tradesmen. You claim to have saved the leaseholders money by doing some of the work yourself and/or through unapproved contractors, but the leaseholders have never seen the benefit of these alleged savings. The extent of your deviation from the approved scheme still remains opaque. The leaseholders are entitled to proper answers.
Already and previously well explained. In the avoidance of doubt I hope I have made it quite clear that yes savings were made and those savings were used on works that weren’t scheduled.
Re: The leaseholders paid to have the work carried out by properly qualified skilled tradesmen.
Then it’s a good job they didn’t meet any of the painters and decorators on this project or indeed many others! There appears to be a substantial misunderstanding on the part of lessees who consider that a valid statement. They paid for works to be done. The competence, qualifications and skill factor is not established by contract but more word of mouth I propose, as any household in the country will amply attest to. You don’t hire a plumber because he has a degree in Brain Surgery, but for presumed competence knowledge and affordability.
Works requiring specialist skills were carried out by qualified skilled technicians [tradesmen]. Other works were carried by adequately qualified and adequately skilled tradesmen.
Other works were carried out by MHML using both the above to the satisfaction of all concerned except Mrs Hillgarth and one or two other lessees with whom she canvassed constantly.