Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Leasehold Property

Monday 13 January 2020 · 1 question

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Rupa Huq asked the Secretary of State about the commitment to leasehold property reform.
  • The Secretary of State stated that the Government will bring forward legislation as mentioned in the Queen's Speech.
  • The Secretary of State indicated they intend to publish a draft Bill soon to address leasehold issues.

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton
Context

Since 2015, Rupa Huq has encountered numerous cases of leaseholders facing unfair terms such as high ground rents and cladding issues.

Question

The Secretary of State says he is committed to reform. Since 2015, I have come across countless cases of people trapped on iniquitous terms in relation to ground rent, cladding—you name it—and unable to extend without paying through the nose. In that same time, however, the Government have had seven consultations, and there is no concrete legislation about anything they are actually going to do. Can he tell us when he will end this feudal hangover, which is unique to England, once and for all?

Answer from Robert Jenrick (The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The hon. Lady is incorrect. The Queen's Speech made it clear that we will be bringing forward legislation. We intend to publish a draft Bill shortly, which will take the first steps that I have just described. We are also awaiting the next report of the Law Commission. We have just received one on enfranchisement. It is a very important issue, and I certainly want to take forward its recommendations to ensure a simpler and fairer system. The next report of the Law Commission will be on commonhold. Again, we will be paying close attention to that. At our encouragement, the Competition and Markets Authority is now looking into the mis-selling of leaseholds, which is another important issue. Be under no illusion: we will be taking forward leasehold reform, and soon.

Answered
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