MP Calls for Government debate to End the Feudal Leasehold System
Emma Foody, Labour and Co-operative Party MP for Cramlington and Killingworth, has raised the urgent need to reform the leasehold system, which is trapping homeowners in costly and restrictive agreements today in Parliament.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Emma Foody MP said:
“Last week I held a meeting with local residents impacted by leaseholds—an acute problem in my constituency, compounded by at times pretty unscrupulous behaviour by developers. Trapped by short leases with unaffordable buyouts, eyewatering extension costs, and mortgage lenders unwilling to lend. Can we have a debate on government time to update the House on the action that this government is taking to end the feudal leasehold system?”
Responding to her question, Lucy Powell MP, Leader of the House of Commons, acknowledged the severity of the issue, stating:
“Well, absolutely. This also gets raised with me a lot in business questions, but also by my own constituents. She’s absolutely right. We do need to end the feudal leasehold system. It is trapping homeowners—innocent homeowners—in properties that they’re unable to get mortgages on or to sell, and it is a shocking fleecehold system, I think we’ve called it many times before. We are taking a number of steps, including implementing last year’s Leasehold Reform Act. We are moving forward on commonhold with the White Paper. We’re bringing forward draft legislation later this year for a fundamental root and branch reform of leasehold, but I will ensure that the Minister comes to this House regularly to update us.”
Emma Foody MP welcomes the government’s recognition of the issue and the need for decisive action.
Speaking after the debate, Emma Foody MP said:
“The leasehold scandal that has gone on for too long, leaving too many homeowners in my constituency and across the country trapped in unfair agreements. I welcome the government’s commitment to reform and the progress being made through the White Paper. This is a vital opportunity to make real, lasting change for leaseholders, and I will work with ministers to ensure the legislation delivers the strongest possible protections for homeowners.”