Newsletter from Mike Wyllie
Chairman of The Heron Residents Association
December 2025
Over two months have passed since we founded the new Heron Residents Association on the 9th of October, and our membership has grown to 34 signed-up Leaseholders, representing around 12% of the Heron properties. We are grateful to everyone who has joined us so far, and it is gratifying to find that so many of you share our concerns regarding the building and its financial manage
The level of Service Charge remains our top concern. We first engaged with Rendall & Rittner on the 2026 budget in October/November, which was late in the process, with most figures already set. Although our ability to influence the outcome was therefore limited, we managed to reduce the proposed annual increase from 13.3% to 8.4%, of which 3.9% relates to additional Reserves (and 4.5% reflects the increase in underlying expenditure). Overall, this represents a £180k reduction in the Service Charge compared with what would have been demanded without any committee engagement
There remain many expenditure items that we need to review, understand, and discuss with R&R. We plan to track expenditure regularly through 2026 and engage with them early in the year to deliver greater impact on the Service Charge.
The more Heron leaseholders we represent, the greater the likelihood we can deliver meaningful change. Our goal is to have more than 50% of leaseholders as HRA members before the next AGM. Your support is therefore essential in creating a powerful voice for the building.
If you have not already joined us, please use the attached form to sign up. If you are already an HRA member, thank you for your kind support. Please encourage any other leaseholders you know to sign up as soon as possible. If you are a tenant, please forward this newsletter to your landlord.
The elected Management Committee meets regularly, and we will circulate minutes to all HRA members once these are approved. This will keep you informed of the progress we make on your behalf.
The next HRA General Meeting is planned for Tuesday, 14th April at The Heron Club, where we will provide comprehensive feedback on our first 6 months of operation. By giving advance notice of this date, we hope to encourage a strong turnout. We need your help to reach our goal of making The Heron Apartments the most desirable and sought-after private accommodation in the City of London.
On behalf of the Heron Residents Association, we wish all members, leaseholders, residents and staff a Happy Festive Season, and a healthy and prosperous 2026.
Mike Wyllie
HRA Chair