Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Leasehold

Monday 22 January 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill is progressing in Parliament with contributions from all parties.
  • The Bill aims to make substantive changes for those currently holding leaseholds.
  • The Secretary of State and Minister are keen to improve the Bill where possible.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Housing
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Lee Rowley

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific issues faced by Newcastle residents and why the current Bill does not address them

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Q2 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Economy Housing
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Lee Rowley

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific issues faced by Newcastle residents and why the current Bill does not address them

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Q3 Peter Bottomley Con
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Lee Rowley

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: How constituents can present their points through MPs for discussion during amendments

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