Property Management Services 2024-10-28
2024-10-28
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from constituents facing inflated maintenance costs and unexpected fees, with poor communication from the companies.
My constituent Paul faces inflation-busting maintenance cost rises and unexpected in-year fees. His attempts to scrutinise FirstPort's work have resulted in an exchange of letters with solicitors. When my hard-working office team asked FirstPort for an explanation, it took more than six weeks to reply inadequately. What would the Minister advise my constituent and others like him to do in the meantime?
There are two existing routes to redress, the property redress scheme and the property ombudsman scheme. People can submit complaints to these schemes. The Government will write to the hon. Gentleman setting out in full the various sources of advice and support and avenues for redress that his constituent might pursue.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue of inadequate communication from property management companies was not addressed directly, and no timeline or concrete measures were provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows a previous query about regulation and focuses on the lack of transparency and accountability from service providers.
There is often a real lack of transparency and accountability from service providers. Bills are not clear, and it takes effort to understand them. The Government could regulate, but will the Minister use his convening powers to encourage better practices before discussing legislation?
I am more than happy to look into what more can be done by convening interested parties around the table. The Government are committed to implementing provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, including measures for transparency and standardisation of service charges.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to specific actions or timelines using convening powers; instead, he referred broadly to legislation being enacted.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the need for transparency in service charges and empowerment of leaseholders.
There is often a real lack of transparency from service providers. Bills are not clear, and it takes effort to understand them. Will the Minister use his convening powers to encourage better practices before legislation can be enacted?
I am more than happy to look into what more can be done by convening interested parties around the table. The Government are committed to implementing provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, including measures for transparency and standardisation of service charges.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to specific actions or timelines using convening powers; instead, he referred broadly to legislation being enacted.
Response accuracy