Question 1

Why do I pay service charge on the estate?

Accepted Answer

The service charge collected from residents and commercial users primarily pays for the gardening and warden contracts plus the cost of Anthem Management who administer our affairs and collect the service charge.

In addition, the funds pay for general maintenance around The Village as well as helping to build up a capital fund to pay for larger maintenance projects in the future.

Question 2

Who owns the Village Association?

Accepted Answer

You do! As an owner of a property on the estate, you are a member of the VA.

Question 3

I'm in a rented home.  Am I a member of the Village Association?

Accepted Answer

The owner of the home is the member of The Village Association who has voting rights.  
 
However as a resident, The Village Association is interested in your views and not only will you receive regular newsletters but you will also be consulted on any major issues that The Village Association needs to deal with from time to time.

Question 4

Who runs the VA?

Accepted Answer

There are seats for a maximum of 6 resident directors, 2 commercial directors and a position for a registered social housing director.
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Question 5

Who are the current directors of the VA?

Accepted Answer

See the People page on this website HERE

Question 6

What is in The Village Code?

Accepted Answer

Please see the Village Code page HERE

Question 7

Who is responsible for looking after my front garden?

Accepted Answer

The VA maintains any grass and planting in each front garden but the trees and any built/hard surfaces/drains etc are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Question 8

Who is responsible for the landscaping contractors?

Accepted Answer

The contractors are called Acacia and they have carried out the gardening at The Village for many years. They are managed by the VA and Anthem Management.

Question 9

Who is responsible for the wardens?

Accepted Answer

The warden service is contracted by the VA to provide patrols and to report or respond to incidents as appropriate to support our community.

The VA works closely with the wardens to ensure any issues are managed effectively and that improvements to the service are made where possible.

Question 10

How can I contact the wardens?

Accepted Answer

Email : VillageWarden@gmail.com  /  Phone 01883 770611

Question 11

Who do I call if I have a concern about security?

Accepted Answer

If it’s a non-urgent Police matter call 101

Question 12

Who do I call if I see something illegal happening?

Accepted Answer

Call 999

Question 13

Who is responsible for the condition and safety of the children’s playground?

Accepted Answer

Tandridge District Council are responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and safety of the playground.

Question 14

Who is responsible for the road outside my house?

Accepted Answer

Most of the roads are ‘public highways’ and are the responsibility of Surrey County Council.
 
You can check on the ownership plan in the Plans section of this website HERE

Question 15

What can I do about people parking on the road outside my house?

Accepted Answer

It’s a public highway and any infringements of parking regulations that may occur are the responsibility of SCC.

Question 16

How do I contact the managing agents?

Accepted Answer

Anthem Management can be contacted via email at info@anthemmanagement.co.uk OR tony.curtis@anthemmanagement.co.uk OR by phone on 01628 529765

Question 17

How do I setup a Direct Debit with Anthem Management?

Accepted Answer

Direct Debits can be paid quarterly at no charge, or payments can be spread over 12 months for which there is an admin fee of £16.50+vat.

To set up a Direct Debit, please call the accounts team on 01628 529 765.

Question 18

What is the current collection process operated by Anthem Management?

Accepted Answer

The Credit Control Dept at Anthem Management monitor individuals’ accounts and send out any reminder letters as necessary. Their process is as follows -

Step 1 – A first reminder notice is issued 14 days after the due date for payment has passed. This letter advises of any overdue balance and gives 7 days to settle the account. It also advises that a further reminder will be sent after 7 days if the amount is still outstanding, at which point an administration fee of £90 will be added to the account which covers the costs to undertake the additional work of monitoring and chasing arrears.

Step 2 – A Final Reminder letter is sent after the 21 days has passed. This confirms that the admin fee of £90 has been added and the total amount now owed. It advises that a further 14 days has been given to allow for payment to be received, after which the account will be referred to external debt recovery specialists. It also advises the additional administration fees they may charge for chasing arrears.

Step 3 – If there is still no contact, then the account will be passed to SE Solicitors. They send a letter introducing themselves and advising that since they are now handling the situation, to contact them to arrange payment. They also advise of their fees which are liable and warns of the risk of legal action.

Question 19

How can I be sure that the service charge won’t go up when anything big needs fixing?

Accepted Answer

Your directors monitor planned and potential exceptional capital expenditure and, as far as possible, make sure there are reserves available from time to time to meet those costs so the service charges are smoothed out.

Question 20

Who is responsible for looking after the cricket green and the pavilion?

Accepted Answer

Caterham Barracks Community Trust are responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and safety of the cricket green and pavilion and are responsible for lettings on the Green.

Question 21

Who is responsible for looking after the arc?

Accepted Answer

Caterham Barracks Community Trust

Question 22

How can I contact CBCT?

Accepted Answer

Email jeffblyth@hotmail.co.uk or visit www.caterhambarracks.org.uk

Question 23

How can I contact the Village Association?

Accepted Answer

By email to office@thevillageassociation.org

Question 24

How can I be kept informed?

Accepted Answer

Please use the subscribe form HERE
Your email address will only be used for VA news and will not be shared with any third party.  You have the ability to unsubscribe at any point.
 
You can also unsubscribe by emailing office@thevillageassociation.org and your details will be removed from our database

Question 25

I have heard that 75% of members need to approve any changes to services, is that true?"

Accepted Answer

No, that's not true.​
 
The elected VA directors have the ability to manage everything on the estate in the best interests of the members; clause 2.2 of the rent charge deed allows 75% of members to require the VA to do or not to do something if they were unhappy with how the estate was being run.

Question 26

Can the VA help if I have a dispute with a neighbour?

Accepted Answer

No, the VA does not become involved in neighbour disputes. 
You should try to resolve matters between yourselves. Try to discuss it with your neighbour you can. If that doesn’t work there are other ways you can ask them to stop, for example by reporting them to the council.

Further advice is available on the Citizens Advice Bureau website 
Complaining about your neighbour - Citizens Advice

Question 27

Who owns the open spaces in The Village and are there any restrictions on use?

Accepted Answer

The Green is owned by Caterham Barracks Community Trust and most other open spaces are owned by The VA.  The open spaces are maintained for the community to enjoy.  
Dogs must be kept on leads and owners must clean up after their dogs.
Permission is required for any business/commercial use of the open spaces owned by CBCT or The VA which may require a fee or charity donation.

Question 28

What is the policy regarding confrontational behaviour?

Accepted Answer

The Board of The Village Association (VA) wishes The Village to remain a safe, secure and enjoyable living, working and social environment for all. Mental health is as important as physical health.

All residents, workers and visitors to The Village are expected to behave in an acceptable and respectful manner.

There is zero tolerance towards any incident in which anyone at The Village is abused, threatened, assaulted or property is damaged. This includes but is not limited to verbal abuse, aggressive tone and/or language, swearing/foul language, discriminatory behaviour, actual physical abuse and threatening behaviour.

In the case of serious incidents the VA will take collective action to address the issue which may include the matter being reported to The Village Wardens, Surrey Police and landlords, where applicable.

The Village Association, The Village, Caterham-On-The Hill

FAQ's