We know that Firstport are desparate to hang on to as many of their developments as possible. Just how desperate is made clear by a letter from the Firstport Northern Area Regional Manager, Mr Stephn Cooper.
This concerns a development who wish to carry out a Right to Manage and appoint a manager of their choice. In this case it is understood to be a former Firstport manager, who despite the dismal performance of Firstport, proved extremely popular with residents. It further appears that this manager has proved a "bit of a thorn" in the side of Firstport, who have in the past have tried all in their power to frustrate the will of residents (even at one point the landlord agreeing to a Right To Manage if this particular manager was not appointed and residents agreed to appoint a manager of the Landlord's choosing?
This is taken from the letter.
My name is Stephen Cooper. I am the the Regional Manager for Firstport Retirement in the north. I am proud to hold this position which is of great trust and is complemented by my former experience as a senior local authority manager and police officer.
I have taken the decision to write to you personally, as I am aware that another managing sgent is working with some leaseholders to guide residents through the right to manage process. It is reasonable to assume that the agent's main priority is to secure your custom.
As I am sure you are aware leaseholdrs have a statutory right to take over the management of their building from the landlord by setting up a special company. If that company secures enough members, they can submit a claim to the landlord to take over. If successful, they assume all the legal, health & safety and management reponsibilities for the development including fire safety.
I must make it clear at this stage that I fully respect the rights of leaseholders and residents.
If a Right To Manage Company is successful in taking over from the landlord on most occassions they would then approach a number of managing agents who specialise in building management.
Usually they would ask them to to do a presentation to residents, submitting fully researched costs and providing details of their affiliations with the relevant governing bodies and codes of practice. Leaseholders can then collectively choose which managing agent they prefer based on that information.
It would appear that over the last few years the residents at the development have been guided through this process by a sole managing agent.
It is with that in mind I would,respectfully suggest caution.
To adopt this approach reduces the ability to secure the best deal for the development and would also create a conflict of interest as the agent's main priority is to win business.
It is also worthy of note that the agent has not yet been able to successfully complete the process.
I recently wrote to the directors of the Right To Manage Company who are residents to offer a meeting with me to discuss the reasons behind the Right To Manage claim and also to try to resolve any concerns with Firstport. Sadly that offer was declined.
We have recently been approached by a number of residents who are tired of the matter and wish to end their involvement but do not know how to do it?
The ability to submit a claim is dependent on having enough members. So by withdrawing your membership, you can influence this.
The process to cease membership is outlined in the articles of association. You simply need to give seven days written notice to the company.
I would like to offer my ongoing committment to the residents and leaseholders. I am keen to address and negotiate any aspects of our management that you are not satisfied with including the cost.
