Leasehold reform

Early day motion 798, tabled 12 February 2025 by Gideon Amos (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 38 members.

That this House believes reform to the leasehold system is long overdue; notes that Liberals and Liberal Democrats have campaigned to end leasehold since the reforms David Lloyd George laid down in the People's Budget 1909; regrets that the Conservatives in government failed to protect leaseholders from dangerous cladding or ban leaseholds; further notes that leaseholders make up over 20% of the housing stock in England which suffer from poorly regulated management charges and uncapped ground rents; recognises that many leaseholders have faced large service charge increases, including an 11% rise during 2024; understands with concern that increases in service charge have left many leaseholders trapped in their properties and unable to sell; also notes that some freeholders face similar charges through unmanaged and unregulated estate management fees; is therefore deeply concerned that the Government has so far failed to honour its manifesto commitment by further delaying leasehold reform; asks the Government to urgently provide leaseholders with management rights to protect them from unregulated charges; and calls on the Government finally to abolish leasehold tenancies for all current and new residential properties.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 35, Independent 2, DUP 1.