TMO Says No

In response to a request for a copy of the Modular Management Agreement (MMA) which sets out the relationships between a TMO and its members, here is an excerpt of what RBKC TMO replied:

"Unfortunately we are unable to provide you a copy of the Modular Management Agreement as this is a commercially sensitive contractual document. Should you wish to pursue obtaining a copy, you may make a request under the Freedom of Information Act to the Council. The Standing Orders were recently updated and approved by the Board. Once the final amendments have been completed, I will forward you a copy."

Lo & behold, the MMA document is so commercially sensitive that you can find it online on a GOV.UK page:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-manage-guidance-modular-management-agreement-for-tenant-management-organisations-volume-1

And this is what a TMO worker (not in RBKC) had to say upon this reply:

"Extraordinary and unacceptable response!  I work for a TMO now and have worked for and around several others in the past.  I hold several copies of the MMA where I work and would make it immediately available to anyone who wants to see it.  I've never heard of anyone doing anything other.  To withhold the MMA from anyone - most of all RBKC tenants - is completely outrageous.  It's a public document, or should be, governing the management of public assets by public authorities.  The sense of a conspiracy to exclude tenants from meaningful involvement in this vital issue grows."

One wonders on whose orders the TMO made this reply. Perhaps we should ask James Bond to go and find out, unless E. Campbell, esteemed, revered and most wise council leader of RBKC, is willing to tell us on this blog's pages.