Leylandii hedge cutting

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I have inherited a Leylandii hedge which I will eventually get rid of but until I can afford such luxuries I need to manage.

I don't know much about this sort of thing but I have a feeling that you have to be careful cutting these hedges or you can cause unsightly dead patches. It has been well trimmed and is in good condition for an ugly hedge but its a bit too tall for my liking.

So, when is a good time to lop the top off it and is it okay to cut a good foot or so off at one time?

Thanks MrsMagnolia one of the reasons I hate the hedge is because no wildlife will have anything to do with it, the other is that it brings me out in a nasty rash so I don't think any nesting birds are in danger

OP, from experience I say cut and trim whilst you can reach it. Maintain at that level, imo it does not matter about brown patches. Given a chance they will grow taller than your property and can become the bane of your life, and that of your neighbours'.