Eligible service charge?

Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on this. Looking at an extra care housing scheme with communal lounges and facilities for the residents. I know that communal furniture usage and replacement are eligible costs for HB purposes but what about a television in the communal lounge?

If the television that is there breaks down and needs replacing, this cost would normally be recouped via the service charge. Would HB deem this eligible or ineligible for HB purposes? Could it be argued that this is to do with the provision of adequate accommodation or is that pushing things a bit far?!

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

John

I’d lean towards no. Eligible service charges include “the relay of ordinary domestic free to view channels on communal TV systems continue to be eligible for HB, but not assisting with any television rental, subscription charge or license fee” (HB Circ A4/2007)