Leasehold and Freehold Reform 2023-01-09
2023-01-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question pertains to the rights of freeholders in comparison to leaseholders.
I am concerned about the disparity between freeholders and leaseholders regarding management challenges. Will the government bring forward legislative proposals to give freeholders similar rights to challenge excessive fees and poor service by estate management companies?
The Government are committed to building on the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 and delivering a second phase of leasehold reform within this Parliament, making it easier for freeholders to challenge costs and appoint a manager.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically asked about reviewing property ombudsman terms but only addressed general improvements without confirming review.
Building On The Leasehold Reform Act
Making It Easier For Freeholders
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Focus is on leaseholder issues in recent housing developments.
While welcoming the steps taken, I ask about ensuring reforms include residents of recently completed housing developments. What specific actions will be taken to ensure these new occupants are covered?
The measures we bring forward will affect both new purchasers and existing leaseholders, ensuring the reforms include those living on recently completed housing developments.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Local Councillors in North Bedfordshire are addressing unfair practices by estate management companies.
My constituents, represented by local councillors, face excessive fees from estate management firms. Will the Minister review property ombudsman terms to make it easier for freeholders to challenge these unfair practices?
Estate management companies must be more accountable and we will give freeholders rights to challenge costs and appoint managers, requiring private estate management companies to join a redress scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically asked about reviewing property ombudsman terms but only addressed general improvements without confirming review.
More Accountable
Challenging Costs
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents in some areas face scams related to chief rents, where property companies use questionnaires for home improvements to con residents into paying extra fees.
Sharp practices are used by some property companies to scam residents with chief rent-related questionnaires. What specific actions is the Minister taking to tighten regulations on these scams?
We are looking at the issue of freeholders paying charges for maintaining communal areas, known as 'fleecehold', but a precise update has not been provided.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically asked about tightening up on scams and sharp practices but only mentioned looking into the issues without providing specifics.
Looking At
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent received a service charge bill for fire-stopping works, which they believe is not lawful under the Building Safety Act 2022.
Under what circumstances can it be lawful to charge leaseholders for fixing fire safety defects? Given that residents think the Building Safety Act protects them from such charges, can this issue be clarified?
We are taking steps under the Building Safety Act 2022 and will write to the right hon. Gentleman with specific details on his question.
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Assessment & feedback
Asked for clarification but referred to a written response instead of providing substantive information now.
Writing
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
A proposal suggests making leaseholders parties to building insurance despite not having an interest in it.
Will the Minister consider changing legislation to make leaseholders parties to the building insurance for which they pay premiums, as this is not currently thought of as their interest?
We are bringing in legislation that will make it much easier for leaseholders to enfranchise their leases and I am already looking at the area mentioned regarding interest in building insurance.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically asked about making leaseholders parties to building insurance but only stated looking into related areas without confirming consideration of the specific proposal.
Already Looking
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Five years since a previous Secretary of State promised to liberate leaseholders from feudal practices.
While acknowledging the Minister's warm words, can she confirm that legislation will be brought forward this year to address all existing problems faced by leaseholders?
We will bring forward legislation in this Parliament for easier valuations, cheaper and quicker lease extensions, right to manage, and other measures.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically asked about legislative timing but only addressed general intentions without confirming a timeline.
Bringing Forward Legislation
Response accuracy