Resident guidance: All Housing residents - Last updated 20 March 2026
Annual Budget Meetings
Annual Budget Meetings provide an opportunity for you to understand and shape your service charges.
This page explains when they usually take place as well as when we may decide not to hold a meeting, and outlines how you can ask questions or get help to understand the budget.
In this guidance you’ll find:
- When do Annual Budget Meetings take place?
- What is the purpose of the Annual Budget Meeting?
- Help and support with understanding the budget
- Free advice on money matters from Be Wise
When do Annual Budget Meetings take place?
We carefully consider each year whether an Annual Budget Meeting is needed at your scheme. If there’s little or no change to your budget, only a small increase (for example, less than £30 per month), or if attendance has been very low in recent years, we may not hold a meeting, but you’ll always receive a detailed breakdown and clear explanation of your service charge budget.
Your voice matters - if most residents (over 51%) request a meeting using the feedback form we provide with the detailed breakdown, we’ll be happy to arrange one.
Where they do take place, Annual Budget Meetings are held once a year. We’ll send you a notification in advance, so you know when the meeting will be held and can make plans to attend. If you can’t make it in person, we’ll always provide information in other ways, so you’re kept fully informed.
What is the purpose of the Annual Budget Meeting?
The main goal of the Annual Budget Meeting is to help you understand how your service charges are set and to involve you in decisions that affect your home and community. At these meetings, we aim to:
- Explain next year’s budget: We break down how we calculate the service charges and show you where your money goes - including repairs, cleaning, gardening, utilities, and communal services.
- Discuss changes or increases: We talk through any changes to costs, planned improvements, or investments for the coming year.
- Answer your questions: You can ask anything about your service charges or raise concerns about spending or planned work.
- Gather your feedback: We want your views on services and costs, and we encourage you to share suggestions or raise issues affecting your scheme.
Help and support with understanding the budget
If you need extra support to join your Annual Budget Meeting, or to understand the budget, or want something explained in a different way, please let us know; we want everyone to have a chance to get involved and be clear on your service charges. You can speak to your location manager or contact the Customer Experience Hub on 0800 731 2020.
Free advice on money matters
If you are worried about your finances or living costs, our Be Wise team are able to offer free and impartial advice, support and practical assistance on a range of topics to help you make the most of your money, including advice on any benefits you may be entitled to and how to claim.
Contact Be Wise on 0800 023 4477 or [email protected].