Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Property Management Services

Monday 28 October 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

  • Max Wilkinson asked about inflation-busting maintenance costs and lack of transparency from service providers FirstPort, seeking redress through existing schemes
  • The Minister offered to convene interested parties to discuss better practices and transparency before considering legislation
  • Meg Hillier echoed concerns about lack of transparency and effort required to understand service bills

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Max Wilkinson Lib Dem Cheltenham
Economy
Context

The question arises from constituents facing inflated maintenance costs and unexpected fees, with poor communication from the companies.

Question

My constituent Paul faces inflation-busting maintenance cost rises and unexpected in-year fees. His attempts to scrutinise FirstPort's work have resulted in an exchange of letters with solicitors. When my hard-working office team asked FirstPort for an explanation, it took more than six weeks to reply inadequately. What would the Minister advise my constituent and others like him to do in the meantime?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

There are two existing routes to redress, the property redress scheme and the property ombudsman scheme. People can submit complaints to these schemes. The Government will write to the hon. Gentleman setting out in full the various sources of advice and support and avenues for redress that his constituent might pursue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific issue of inadequate communication from property management companies was not addressed directly, and no timeline or concrete measures were provided.

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Q2 Max Wilkinson Lib Dem Cheltenham
Context

The question follows a previous query about regulation and focuses on the lack of transparency and accountability from service providers.

Question

There is often a real lack of transparency and accountability from service providers. Bills are not clear, and it takes effort to understand them. The Government could regulate, but will the Minister use his convening powers to encourage better practices before discussing legislation?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

I am more than happy to look into what more can be done by convening interested parties around the table. The Government are committed to implementing provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, including measures for transparency and standardisation of service charges.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to specific actions or timelines using convening powers; instead, he referred broadly to legislation being enacted.

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Q3 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
Housing
Context

The question addresses the need for transparency in service charges and empowerment of leaseholders.

Question

There is often a real lack of transparency from service providers. Bills are not clear, and it takes effort to understand them. Will the Minister use his convening powers to encourage better practices before legislation can be enacted?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

I am more than happy to look into what more can be done by convening interested parties around the table. The Government are committed to implementing provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, including measures for transparency and standardisation of service charges.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to specific actions or timelines using convening powers; instead, he referred broadly to legislation being enacted.

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