Leaseholders’ Representative Group

CEO of the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust, Matthew Applegate, gave the LRG some of his time at our last meeting, for which we are grateful. Many questions were put forward to him as you will read in the June minutes once they are signed off in our September meeting. One striking point was that Matthew Applegate is powerless to solve the problems that leaseholders are facing, and bring staff to account within the organisation, unless these issues are brought up through the "proper channels". Such is bureaucracy, you must play the system to get results! So, there is a Complaints section on the VAHT's website which says:

A complaint can be made in writing by letter or completing our complaint form below, telephoning 01296 732600, or in person. Complaints received by any of these methods will be treated in the same way.

Many of the challenges put forward to Mr. Applegate expressed dissatisfaction that even written letters go without even so much as an acknowledgement for several months, let alone phone calls being returned. The LRG suggests that you follow his advice and either complete the complaints form on the VAHT's website now, here: http://www.vaht.co.uk/complaints.html, or call 01296 732600 for a form to be forwarded in the post. So complain, and complain, and complain again - so the VAHT has it on record in its glorified complaints system, and keep copies for yourself. The VAHT is aiming for 'gold stars' from its governing body, but we won't let this happen until it gets things right and treats its leaseholders as equally as its tenants. The one thing we know the VAHT is good at, because it charges a pretty penny for it, is administration, so plenty of complaint forms will give it plenty to administer! Good luck, leaseholders!