This the guestbook. You can make your comments here. It is moderated, which means that your comments will NOT be published until they have been checked by the editorial staff first.
LKP Pull Article!
Posted by The Editor on 17 July 2025
Dear Mr Editor
As you are aware O' Kelly had the gall to write to me and say this “You are a mare who needs to be tamed” It seems that O’ Kelly has a problem with gorgeous, stunning, strong clever women who see through him. He is a nasty piece of work who reminds me of “ Hinge and Bracket. 😂
As you are aware O' Kelly had the gall to write to me and say this “You are a mare who needs to be tamed” It seems that O’ Kelly has a problem with gorgeous, stunning, strong clever women who see through him. He is a nasty piece of work who reminds me of “ Hinge and Bracket. 😂
Posted by Kim on 17 July 2025
The Hitch In The Decimal Point!
Residents of Harrison Court in Hitchin Hertfordshire have regularly battled Firstport overcharges.
The latest battle involves work that Firstport claim is needed for the roof.
Firstport informed residents that the cost of the roof work would be £20,000.
Outraged by the cost residents obtained a quote from a trusted local roofer for £2,000 not the £20,000 wanted by Fitrstport, so only a decimal point in difference!
The latest battle involves work that Firstport claim is needed for the roof.
Firstport informed residents that the cost of the roof work would be £20,000.
Outraged by the cost residents obtained a quote from a trusted local roofer for £2,000 not the £20,000 wanted by Fitrstport, so only a decimal point in difference!
Posted by The Editor on 13 July 2025
Another rip off, they never stop trying , time to go RTM me thinks, their next message will be , oh sorry we made a mistake lol
Posted by the holy mole on 16 July 2025
So a few years ago a drone took a photo of the damaged roof that required expensive works done to it.
An eagle eyed resident that among the images obtained from the drone showed a car in the background that didn't belong to the development. It transpired after a huge fight by the residents that Firstport had "accidentally" mixed up their development with another one with a similar name! Of course when pressed Firstport could not name the development that they had mixed up!
An eagle eyed resident that among the images obtained from the drone showed a car in the background that didn't belong to the development. It transpired after a huge fight by the residents that Firstport had "accidentally" mixed up their development with another one with a similar name! Of course when pressed Firstport could not name the development that they had mixed up!
Posted by Michael Epstein on 16 July 2025
King Not Off The Hook?
Not King Charles, but Martin King has not been left off the hook by the housing select committee chaired by the excellent Florence Eshalomi MP who has been instrumental in scrutinizing the conduct of Firstport in general and Mr King in particular.
In a very hard hitting letter to Mr King she reminded him of his promises that he made to the committee during his feeble appearance before them and told him in no uncertain terms to comply with the committee's demands, something he has yet to do.
In an effort to assist the committee further in their endeavours About Firstport has written to Florence Eshalomi suggesting she asks Mr King the following questions when he is hauled back before them.
Question 1)
As a percentage how many developments under Firstport management are as a result of freeholder/developer appointments for which residents have no say in the appointment and how many come from residents appointing Firstport with their freewill?
Question 2)
How many late charge demands have been sent out when the demand has been disputed?
Question 3)
How many settlements have been negotiated with residents that have been subjected to a Non Disclosure Agreement?
Question 4)
How many Firstport managed developments have an ongoing dispute as to the title of the land?
Question 5)
How did it come to be that Firstport ended up holding the leaseholds of the Residential House Manager's flats at McCarthy & Stone Firstport managed retirement developments?
Question 6)
Did Firstport mortgage those flats and did they declare a restriction on those flats when mortgaging them?
Question 7)
How did former CEO Nigel Howell end up owning the leasehold on several Residential House Manager's flats?
Question 8)
How many Firstport managed developments are over a year late in supplying development accounts?
Question 9)
Tribunals have ruled Account Preparation Fees should be part of the management fee. Why are Firstport still charging for them?
Question 10)
Why are Firstport charging Monitoring Fees for developments that have no monitoring?
In a very hard hitting letter to Mr King she reminded him of his promises that he made to the committee during his feeble appearance before them and told him in no uncertain terms to comply with the committee's demands, something he has yet to do.
In an effort to assist the committee further in their endeavours About Firstport has written to Florence Eshalomi suggesting she asks Mr King the following questions when he is hauled back before them.
Question 1)
As a percentage how many developments under Firstport management are as a result of freeholder/developer appointments for which residents have no say in the appointment and how many come from residents appointing Firstport with their freewill?
Question 2)
How many late charge demands have been sent out when the demand has been disputed?
Question 3)
How many settlements have been negotiated with residents that have been subjected to a Non Disclosure Agreement?
Question 4)
How many Firstport managed developments have an ongoing dispute as to the title of the land?
Question 5)
How did it come to be that Firstport ended up holding the leaseholds of the Residential House Manager's flats at McCarthy & Stone Firstport managed retirement developments?
Question 6)
Did Firstport mortgage those flats and did they declare a restriction on those flats when mortgaging them?
Question 7)
How did former CEO Nigel Howell end up owning the leasehold on several Residential House Manager's flats?
Question 8)
How many Firstport managed developments are over a year late in supplying development accounts?
Question 9)
Tribunals have ruled Account Preparation Fees should be part of the management fee. Why are Firstport still charging for them?
Question 10)
Why are Firstport charging Monitoring Fees for developments that have no monitoring?
Posted by The Editor on 10 July 2025
Editor,
Excellent questions. I look forward to the reported answer's which I hope are supported by that firms actual key performance indicators ?
Excellent questions. I look forward to the reported answer's which I hope are supported by that firms actual key performance indicators ?
Posted by Stephen Burns on 11 July 2025
Dear Mr Editor
I believe that LKP accredited MA WESTBURY RESIDENTIAL LTD should be asked why £15.000 was charged in legal fee s ( 2024) under its management when there was no litigation. Oh dear! Trouble and possible criminal action ahead. Something stinks!
I believe that LKP accredited MA WESTBURY RESIDENTIAL LTD should be asked why £15.000 was charged in legal fee s ( 2024) under its management when there was no litigation. Oh dear! Trouble and possible criminal action ahead. Something stinks!
Posted by Kim on 11 July 2025
Have you sought the advice of the independent government funded Leasehold Advisory Service?
Oh! Hang on a minute? The chair of the independent government funded Leasehold Advisory Service chairs LKP who accredited Westbury as well. So perhaps any advice from them might not be totally independent?
Oh! Hang on a minute? The chair of the independent government funded Leasehold Advisory Service chairs LKP who accredited Westbury as well. So perhaps any advice from them might not be totally independent?
Posted by Michael Epstein on 12 July 2025
Indeed! Thanks to my effort WESTBURY RESIDENTIAL got the boot in October 2023. The new MA has recently circulated the 2024 accounts……I exercised my rights under S22 of the L&T Act 1985 to inspect the invoices and vouchers…It ain’t looking good form Westbury or the previous directors of the shared freehold company. I will continue to follow the money and the truth will emerge…..
Posted by Kim on 12 July 2025
If you feel there may be 'something wrong'and LKP accredited Westbury Residetial, surely LKP are the ones to go to for help. Isn't that what they are their for?
Posted by Roger on 13 July 2025
Roger, you might well think that, but as is so very common with all things leasehold, once money is involved principles go out of the window.
And that is precisely what has happened with both LKP and NLC.
Yes, this site has swum against the popular tide of those blindly following LKP and NLC, but if the issues of leasehold are to be resolved, that resolution has to come about with integrity and honesty. LKP and NLC lack both. Gradually more of their supporters are realising the truth. Indeed former LKP/NLC stalwart Harry Scoffin saw the light, walked away, set up his own site and is doing an amazing job.
And that is precisely what has happened with both LKP and NLC.
Yes, this site has swum against the popular tide of those blindly following LKP and NLC, but if the issues of leasehold are to be resolved, that resolution has to come about with integrity and honesty. LKP and NLC lack both. Gradually more of their supporters are realising the truth. Indeed former LKP/NLC stalwart Harry Scoffin saw the light, walked away, set up his own site and is doing an amazing job.
Posted by The Editor on 13 July 2025
Hi Roger
I Informed LKP years ago that WESTBURY RESIDENTIAL LTD was a wrong un.. LKP couldn’t have cared less and blocked me from their blog site.I understand that Scoffin and Michael Epstein are also blocked.,LKP is not fit for purpose and should lose its charitable status IMO.
I Informed LKP years ago that WESTBURY RESIDENTIAL LTD was a wrong un.. LKP couldn’t have cared less and blocked me from their blog site.I understand that Scoffin and Michael Epstein are also blocked.,LKP is not fit for purpose and should lose its charitable status IMO.
Posted by Kim on 14 July 2025
RTM
Finally it looks as though Warminger Court in Norwich is going RTM, and First Port along with he awful PM P. Diddy, is getting the boot!!! Finally!
Posted by Ed Mason on 06 July 2025
Hopefully the PM has a size 9 foot and received a size 6 boot!
Posted by The Editor on 06 July 2025
Martin King Military Veteran
If you watch the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee held on 17 June, you will see that Martin King is wearing a badge. What is not so obvious is that it is the Armed Forces Veterans badge. As a veteran with a number of year’s service, I take exception to him wearing this badge in front of the HCLG Committee. It was totally inappropriate. I would suggest that he is trying to send a message to the MPs that as an ex member of the Armed Forces he has integrity and honesty. I am disgusted.
Martin King has VR after his name, which stands for Volunteer Reserves. In a Firstport website post dated 5 June 2024, he states “As a military veteran, I am passionate about ensuring we use our experience to help veterans into appropriate housing. With the combined efforts of our colleagues, customers, and partners, I am confident we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have served our country with courage and dedication.”
Firstport have certainly had an impact on my life and continue to have!
Martin King has VR after his name, which stands for Volunteer Reserves. In a Firstport website post dated 5 June 2024, he states “As a military veteran, I am passionate about ensuring we use our experience to help veterans into appropriate housing. With the combined efforts of our colleagues, customers, and partners, I am confident we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have served our country with courage and dedication.”
Firstport have certainly had an impact on my life and continue to have!
Posted by Chris on 06 July 2025
Trying to use his military past to curry favour is absolutely disgusting!
It didn't stop Firstport hounding a former WW2 Squadron Leader or a Major even whilst on active service?
It didn't stop Firstport hounding a former WW2 Squadron Leader or a Major even whilst on active service?
Posted by Michael Epstein on 06 July 2025
Chris & Michael,
As a Veteran of HM Armed Forces, I am concerned that this traditional form of tenure has not yet been reformed. I fully understand the necessity for our democratically elected lawmakers to draft legislation meticulously, and I believe that Mr Pennycook demonstrates a strong grasp of the current situation and is well positioned to deliver effective reform as soon as possible.
In my view, existing industry accreditations within this sector are inadequate and fail to provide meaningful oversight.
It is essential to implement regulatory measures for managing agents to help realise the vision of "Commonhold"
Active service members and Veterans have long memories regarding injustices, and it is important that such matters are noted.
It remains crucial for those in authority to act promptly and decisively to implement substantive reform. Doing so will meet public expectations and restore confidence in a system that currently falls short.
The move away from outdated tenures toward an environment defined by fairness, transparency, and accountability will ensure that all who have served, and continue to serve, are duly honoured. Their sacrifices deserve to be matched by justice at home.
Stephen Burns
Veteran
The Parachute Regiment
As a Veteran of HM Armed Forces, I am concerned that this traditional form of tenure has not yet been reformed. I fully understand the necessity for our democratically elected lawmakers to draft legislation meticulously, and I believe that Mr Pennycook demonstrates a strong grasp of the current situation and is well positioned to deliver effective reform as soon as possible.
In my view, existing industry accreditations within this sector are inadequate and fail to provide meaningful oversight.
It is essential to implement regulatory measures for managing agents to help realise the vision of "Commonhold"
Active service members and Veterans have long memories regarding injustices, and it is important that such matters are noted.
It remains crucial for those in authority to act promptly and decisively to implement substantive reform. Doing so will meet public expectations and restore confidence in a system that currently falls short.
The move away from outdated tenures toward an environment defined by fairness, transparency, and accountability will ensure that all who have served, and continue to serve, are duly honoured. Their sacrifices deserve to be matched by justice at home.
Stephen Burns
Veteran
The Parachute Regiment
Posted by Stephen Burns on 07 July 2025
My absolute respect and gratitude to you and all your fellow members of the armed forces.
I am deeply honoured that we are fellow campaigners in the fight for leasehold justice.
I am deeply honoured that we are fellow campaigners in the fight for leasehold justice.
Posted by Michael Epstein on 07 July 2025
There have been some 16645 posts and replies on this page. To view older ones search here.
This only searches posts, not replies.
And that is just what has happened to Sebastian O'Kelly of LKP. He just couldn't help himself?
Clearly he is irked by the success Harry Scoffin is having after leaving LKP and setting up Free Leaseholders. He refers scornfully to Harry Scoffin as the "Former intern" Many still fail to appreciate that much of the good work done by LKP was actually the work of Harry Scoffin and unlike Sebastian O'Kelly Harry Scoffin never found a way to take £100,000 out of the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership funds.
Sebastian O'Kelly recently wrote an article with regard to a recent meeting of the GLA concerning leasehold. Harry Scoffin appeared before the committee having contributed to the GLA leasehold report.
Mr O'Kelly writes" Mr Scoffin began by making disobliging references to leasehold campaign groups who are too close to government -underlined by his "formerly charming and cordial" mother looking pointedly at LKP to indicate "That means us"
Harry Scoffin was only articulating the potential conflict of interest this site ha warned of for many years.
if you are the chair of a leasehold charity fighting for leaseholder rights, you cannot also be the chair of the government funded Leasehold Advisory Service having been appointed by a government minister. Similarly you cannot be a trustee of leasehold charity and accept an OBE on the recommendation of the government.
The comment from Mr O'Kelly concerning Harry Scoffin's mother was nothing short of disgusting and showed Mr O'Kelly for the person he really is.
Clearly someone at LKP agrees with About Firstport as the article has now been taken down.
Harry Scoffin and his mother deserve a full apology from LKP