Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from ongoing issues faced by leaseholders in Newcastle, including the refusal of charitable freeholders to allow lease extension or purchase. Constituents face high management fees, fire safety costs, and ground rents during a cost of living crisis.
What steps are being taken to reform the leasehold system? Leaseholders in Leazes Park have their lives ruined by their freeholder's refusal to allow lease extensions or purchases. Across Newcastle, constituents face exorbitant management fees, high fire safety costs, and increasing ground rents. Why does the Labour party's commitment to comprehensive leasehold reform not align with the current Bill?
The Government are taking action through the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill, which is progressing in Parliament with contributions from all parties. The Bill will make substantive changes for those currently holding leaseholds.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific issues faced by Newcastle residents and why the current Bill does not address them
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Continuing from previous concerns, the question addresses why leaseholders in Newcastle face exorbitant management fees, high fire safety costs, and increasing ground rents despite Labour's commitment to comprehensive leasehold reform.
My constituents are suffering under a cost of living crisis due to exorbitant management fees, high fire safety costs, and rising ground rents. Given the Labour party's commitment to fundamental leasehold reform as set out by the Law Commission, why does the current Bill not address these issues?
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill is progressing through Parliament with constructive contributions from Members of all parties. It aims to make substantive changes for those currently holding leaseholds.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific issues faced by Newcastle residents and why the current Bill does not address them
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question supports the introduction of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill, inviting those suffering from leasehold issues to present their points through MPs for consideration during amendments.
There is agreement on both sides that reform is needed. I welcome the introduction of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill to modernize leasehold and commonhold systems. Through the Minister, I invite those suffering, as described by the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central, to put their points through MPs so they can be discussed and accepted when amendments are tabled.
The Secretary of State and I have said we are keen to improve the Bill where possible. It is a substantial Bill that will make significant changes for those who need leasehold reform.
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Assessment & feedback
How constituents can present their points through MPs for discussion during amendments
Response accuracy