Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Leasehold Reform

Monday 28 October 2024 · 4 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act provisions will increase transparency and standardisation in service charges.
  • Government plans to consult on bringing private estates under a fair legal framework to end "fleecehold" injustices.
  • Minister willing to consider removing presumption in favour of planning permission for schemes criticised for low-quality development.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Housing
Context

A constituent has faced significant increases in service charges without the resolution of dangerous cladding issues.

Question

My constituent David has reported that his service charge has tripled in the past few years, even though dangerous cladding has still not been removed. What more can be done to help people challenge unfair service charges?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

One of the most urgent things we need to do is to bring into force the provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act. That will increase transparency and standardisation across service charges, but we want to go further. We are committed to finally bringing the feudal leasehold system to an end.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures or timeline for addressing unfair service charges beyond legislative intent

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Q2 Jim Dickson Lab Dartford
Housing
Context

Residents face opaque and unaccountable charging practices by management companies, leading to significant financial burdens.

Question

In Dartford, residents experience opaque and unaccountable charging practices. What comfort can the Minister offer that these management companies will be brought within a fair legal framework in the near future?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

We are committed to bringing the injustice of “fleecehold” private estates and unfair costs to an end. We will consult in due course on the best way to achieve that. In the interim, we need to implement the new protections for homeowners on private estates in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 1824.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific near-term measures or timeline for accountability of management companies beyond consultation intent

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Q3 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Housing
Context

Previous Government's planning policies have led to issues for leaseholders, including unfair costs.

Question

Against my wishes and advice, the previous Government expanded permitted development rights. Will the Minister consider removing that presumption in favour of planning permission for these schemes?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

I am more than happy to give consideration to the point he raises regarding the problem of low-quality development resulting from expanded permitted development rights after 2013. We acknowledge criticism and will consider revision.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific plans or timeline for revising planning permissions beyond expressing willingness to consider

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Q4 Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire
Housing
Context

Concerns over proposed reforms affecting the supply of rental properties.

Question

The Labour party has proposed several reforms that may punish landlords. Why are this Government determined to drive out landlords and reduce available rental properties?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

Our Renters' Rights Bill poses no threat to good landlords; it drives out unscrupulous landlords by improving the situation. Landlords have robust grounds to take back possession when appropriate, but cannot arbitrarily evict through section 21.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures or timeline for addressing landlord concerns beyond defending proposed reforms

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