Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue concerns the adoption of roads in new housing developments which are left in a state of 'adoption limbo' and managed by management companies that residents find exploitative.
Whether he has had recent discussions with local authorities on adopting private roads on new estates. Across the country, homeowners in a state of adoption limbo are being left exposed to exploitative and often unaccountable management companies. Despite their warm words, sadly the Government did not take any of the actions that the Competition and Markets Authority urged them to take in order to end the issue of leasehold once and for all. Given that the Secretary of State is rumoured to be on the lookout for legacy accomplishments, will the Minister urge his colleagues to finally act on this issue during the current Parliament, or will leasehold be yet another issue left for the next Government to tackle?
With the best will in the world, the CMA report was published a few days ago, and the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill had been progressing through the House for a number of months before that. The Bill is a significant improvement for estate management, providing the right of redress to a tribunal, further information and the right to absolute clarity on service charges. All those changes have been rightly demanded by residents, and we are considering carefully whether there is anything further than we can do.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to urging colleagues to take action specifically during the current Parliament despite the questioner's request for a legacy accomplishment.
With The Best Will In The World
Considering Carefully
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue concerns the adoption of roads in new housing developments which are left in a state of 'adoption limbo' and managed by management companies that residents find exploitative.
Whether he has had recent discussions with local authorities on adopting private roads on new estates. The questioner notes that homeowners across the country are facing issues due to unadopted roads, which are often managed by exploitative management companies. Despite previous promises and warm words from the government, no concrete actions have been taken in response to the Competition and Markets Authority's recommendations.
The adoption of roads is largely an issue for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, who leads on that policy, but I know—because we have spoken about this in the Committee considering the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill—that the hon. Gentleman has a significant interest in this matter. We understand the strength of feeling about it, and we are considering it further.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not confirm any recent discussions with local authorities on adopting private roads but acknowledged the issue and stated they are considering it further.
Largely An Issue For My Right Hon. Friend
We Are Considering It Further
Response accuracy