Leasehold Reform 2024-10-28
2024-10-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent has faced significant increases in service charges without the resolution of dangerous cladding issues.
My constituent David has reported that his service charge has tripled in the past few years, even though dangerous cladding has still not been removed. What more can be done to help people challenge unfair service charges?
One of the most urgent things we need to do is to bring into force the provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act. That will increase transparency and standardisation across service charges, but we want to go further. We are committed to finally bringing the feudal leasehold system to an end.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures or timeline for addressing unfair service charges beyond legislative intent
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents face opaque and unaccountable charging practices by management companies, leading to significant financial burdens.
In Dartford, residents experience opaque and unaccountable charging practices. What comfort can the Minister offer that these management companies will be brought within a fair legal framework in the near future?
We are committed to bringing the injustice of “fleecehold” private estates and unfair costs to an end. We will consult in due course on the best way to achieve that. In the interim, we need to implement the new protections for homeowners on private estates in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 1824.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific near-term measures or timeline for accountability of management companies beyond consultation intent
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Previous Government's planning policies have led to issues for leaseholders, including unfair costs.
Against my wishes and advice, the previous Government expanded permitted development rights. Will the Minister consider removing that presumption in favour of planning permission for these schemes?
I am more than happy to give consideration to the point he raises regarding the problem of low-quality development resulting from expanded permitted development rights after 2013. We acknowledge criticism and will consider revision.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans or timeline for revising planning permissions beyond expressing willingness to consider
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns over proposed reforms affecting the supply of rental properties.
The Labour party has proposed several reforms that may punish landlords. Why are this Government determined to drive out landlords and reduce available rental properties?
Our Renters' Rights Bill poses no threat to good landlords; it drives out unscrupulous landlords by improving the situation. Landlords have robust grounds to take back possession when appropriate, but cannot arbitrarily evict through section 21.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures or timeline for addressing landlord concerns beyond defending proposed reforms
Response accuracy