Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Estate Management Companies

Monday 24 November 2025 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Lloyd Hatton questioned the government about holding FirstPort accountable for its failures and requested stronger protections for residents.
  • The Minister met with FirstPort's managing director to discuss issues related to poor service and pressed for accountability.
  • Vikki Slade inquired about protections for residents paying for a public site managed by a private developer, to which the response mentioned an upcoming consultation on unreasonable charges for residential freeholders.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lloyd Hatton Lab South Dorset
Housing Local Government
Context

Residents at the Chesil Reach and Greys Field development in Chickerell have faced issues with FirstPort, including large increases to service charges, lack of transparency, and failure to meet basic obligations.

Question

What steps are being taken to hold FirstPort to account for its many failings? How can we deliver much stronger protections for everyone living in properties managed by FirstPort?

Answer from The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)

In response to widespread concerns raised in a recent debate on property service charges, I met Martin King, managing director of FirstPort, on 17 November. In our meeting, I pressed Mr King and his associates on a wide range of issues stemming from reports of poor service, and I left him in no doubt that in the Government’s view, FirstPort’s performance is not good enough. I intend to write to FirstPort to follow up on the issues raised.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not outline concrete steps or protections for residents beyond meeting with the managing director and writing a letter.

How: No Specific Timeline, Vague Commitment

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Q2 Vikki Slade Lib Dem Mid Dorset and North Poole
Housing
Context

Residents of Canford Paddock have been contacted about ongoing unregulated estate fees related to a suitable alternative natural greenspace near a site of special scientific interest, managed by a private developer.

Question

What protections exist for the residents who are having to pay for a public site managed by a private developer?

Answer from The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)

In my opening answer, I referenced the consultation we intend to launch soon relating to protections for residential freeholders from that type of charge, where it is unreasonable. Those provisions in the 2024 Act provide for greater transparency. They allow homeowners on freehold estates to take the estate manager to the first-tier tribunal if unreasonable rent charges are being levied.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide details on existing protections beyond referencing upcoming consultations and provisions in the 2024 Act.

How: Future Consultation, Reference To Legal Provisions

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