Found: Communities and Local Government Committee’s pre-legislative scrutiny on the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Session 2026–27 Number Title Reference 1st Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: 1st Report - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill HC 40 Report

Found: Large Print - 1st Report - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Easy Read - 1st Report - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill HC

Found: and Local Government Select Committee Pre-legislative Scrutiny of the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: evidence as part of your Committee’s pre-legislative scrutiny of the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: The Government’s draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill marks one of the most significant changes

Found: from Richmond Villages to the Chair dated 24 March 2026 concerning the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: CLR0261 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Airebo Ltd Written

Found: CLR0260 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Shula Rich Written

Found: CLR0259 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Dr Marco Scalvini

Found: CLR0258 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill HM Land Registry

Found: Committee on 17 March as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: CLR0257 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill RTM Steering Committee

Found: Letter from ExtraCare to the Chair dated 18 March 2026 concerning the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: They argue this is crucial for the pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold & Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Chair dated 12 March 2026 concerning Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: CLR0256 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill National Leasehold

Found: CLR0255 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Daniel van Nieuwenhuizen

Found: and Local Government Oral evidence: Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: CLR0254 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Written Evidence

Found: CLR0253 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Written Evidence

Found: Housing, Communities and Local Government Oral evidence: Scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: CLR0244 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Building Societies

Found: CLR0245 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Leasehold Advisory

Found: CLR0249 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill UK Finance Written

Found: CLR0251 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Local Government

Found: CLR0252 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill APPG on Leasehold

Found: CLR0242 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Propertymark Written

Found: CLR0241 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Grosvenor Property

Found: CLR0243 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Law Commission Written

Found: CLR0246 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Free Leaseholders

Found: CLR0247 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill National Residential

Found: CLR0248 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Housing Ombudsman

Found: CLR0249 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill UK Finance Written

Found: CLR0248 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Housing Ombudsman

Found: CLR0251 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Local Government

Found: CLR0252 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill APPG on Leasehold

Found: CLR0244 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Building Societies

Found: CLR0243 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Law Commission Written

Found: CLR0246 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Free Leaseholders

Found: CLR0247 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill National Residential

Found: CLR0245 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Leasehold Advisory

Found: CLR0229 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill CommonholdNow Limited

Found: CLR0230 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Kristine Ma Written

Found: CLR0231 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Anise & Coriander

Found: CLR0226 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill NLG Written Evidence

Found: CLR0227 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill D BURLING Written

Found: CLR0234 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Limehouse West Freehold

Found: CLR0233 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill cooper fitzsimmons

Found: CLR0232 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Written Evidence

Found: CLR0235 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Federation of Private

Found: CLR0238 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill K Hughes Written

Found: CLR0237 - Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill Written Evidence

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when he plans to bring the increase to the collective enfranchisement threshold for mixed use premises from 25% commercial to 50% into force.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government’s intention is to commence Section 29 of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act alongside other enfranchisement provisions contained within it.

To commence the Act’s enfranchisement provisions, we need to rectify via primary legislation a small number of specific but serious flaws that prevent certain provisions from operating as intended.

The King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 confirmed that we will do so through the forthcoming Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of service charges in leasehold retirement properties on the ability of older residents and their families to sell those properties.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government recognises the importance of helping older people to live independently at home for as long as possible and is committed to enhancing provision and choice for older people in the housing market, including retirement or sheltered housing. We are also committed to ensuring that leaseholders, including those living in retirement homes, are protected from unfair and unreasonable practices.

There are currently two government-approved codes of practice in force in relation to the residential leasehold sector and private retirement housing. These are the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Management Service Charge Code and the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (AHRM) Code of Practice. The enforcement of standards set out in these codes can be taken into account as evidence, at court or tribunal hearings.

Individual leases set out what services leaseholders may expect to receive, and what they should pay for. By law variable service charges must be reasonable and, where costs relate to works or services, the works or services must be of a reasonable standard. Should leaseholders wish to contest the reasonableness of their service charges, they may make an application to the appropriate tribunal.

On 4 July 2025, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. It can be found on gov.uk here. We continue to analyse the feedback received and will set out next steps in due course.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 November 2024 (HCWS249), the government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations from the Older People's Housing Taskforce report, including its recommendation that the government should implement the Law Commission’s 2017 recommendations to regulate event fees and a comprehensive report into resale values to support better consumer understanding and sector development.

On 27 January 2026, we published the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. I refer the hon. Members to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 27 January 2026 (HCWS1278), a guide to the draft Bill which can be found on gov.uk here, and to the draft Impact Assessment for the draft Bill which can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to protect residents of leasehold retirement properties from unaffordable increases in service charges and associated management fees.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government recognises the importance of helping older people to live independently at home for as long as possible and is committed to enhancing provision and choice for older people in the housing market, including retirement or sheltered housing. We are also committed to ensuring that leaseholders, including those living in retirement homes, are protected from unfair and unreasonable practices.

There are currently two government-approved codes of practice in force in relation to the residential leasehold sector and private retirement housing. These are the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Management Service Charge Code and the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (AHRM) Code of Practice. The enforcement of standards set out in these codes can be taken into account as evidence, at court or tribunal hearings.

Individual leases set out what services leaseholders may expect to receive, and what they should pay for. By law variable service charges must be reasonable and, where costs relate to works or services, the works or services must be of a reasonable standard. Should leaseholders wish to contest the reasonableness of their service charges, they may make an application to the appropriate tribunal.

On 4 July 2025, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. It can be found on gov.uk here. We continue to analyse the feedback received and will set out next steps in due course.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 November 2024 (HCWS249), the government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations from the Older People's Housing Taskforce report, including its recommendation that the government should implement the Law Commission’s 2017 recommendations to regulate event fees and a comprehensive report into resale values to support better consumer understanding and sector development.

On 27 January 2026, we published the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. I refer the hon. Members to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 27 January 2026 (HCWS1278), a guide to the draft Bill which can be found on gov.uk here, and to the draft Impact Assessment for the draft Bill which can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the provisions in the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill for leaseholders of houses on mixed estates containing flats and houses.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Owners of existing leasehold houses will benefit from a number of the provisions of our draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill including the abolition of forfeiture for leasehold; regulation of estate rentcharges; and the capping of ground rents at £250 a year, changing to a peppercorn cap after 40 years.

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 27 January 2026 (HCWS1278) and to the draft Impact Assessment for the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill which can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has made an estimate of the number of leasehold retirement properties that may be difficult for people to sell because of (a) high service charges and (b) associated fees.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government recognises the importance of helping older people to live independently at home for as long as possible and is committed to enhancing provision and choice for older people in the housing market, including retirement or sheltered housing. We are also committed to ensuring that leaseholders, including those living in retirement homes, are protected from unfair and unreasonable practices.

There are currently two government-approved codes of practice in force in relation to the residential leasehold sector and private retirement housing. These are the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Management Service Charge Code and the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (AHRM) Code of Practice. The enforcement of standards set out in these codes can be taken into account as evidence, at court or tribunal hearings.

Individual leases set out what services leaseholders may expect to receive, and what they should pay for. By law variable service charges must be reasonable and, where costs relate to works or services, the works or services must be of a reasonable standard. Should leaseholders wish to contest the reasonableness of their service charges, they may make an application to the appropriate tribunal.

On 4 July 2025, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. It can be found on gov.uk here. We continue to analyse the feedback received and will set out next steps in due course.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 November 2024 (HCWS249), the government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations from the Older People's Housing Taskforce report, including its recommendation that the government should implement the Law Commission’s 2017 recommendations to regulate event fees and a comprehensive report into resale values to support better consumer understanding and sector development.

On 27 January 2026, we published the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. I refer the hon. Members to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 27 January 2026 (HCWS1278), a guide to the draft Bill which can be found on gov.uk here, and to the draft Impact Assessment for the draft Bill which can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether forthcoming leasehold reform legislation will include measures to protect residents of retirement leasehold properties from (a) excessive service charges and (b) associated barriers to sale.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government recognises the importance of helping older people to live independently at home for as long as possible and is committed to enhancing provision and choice for older people in the housing market, including retirement or sheltered housing. We are also committed to ensuring that leaseholders, including those living in retirement homes, are protected from unfair and unreasonable practices.

There are currently two government-approved codes of practice in force in relation to the residential leasehold sector and private retirement housing. These are the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Management Service Charge Code and the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (AHRM) Code of Practice. The enforcement of standards set out in these codes can be taken into account as evidence, at court or tribunal hearings.

Individual leases set out what services leaseholders may expect to receive, and what they should pay for. By law variable service charges must be reasonable and, where costs relate to works or services, the works or services must be of a reasonable standard. Should leaseholders wish to contest the reasonableness of their service charges, they may make an application to the appropriate tribunal.

On 4 July 2025, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. It can be found on gov.uk here. We continue to analyse the feedback received and will set out next steps in due course.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 November 2024 (HCWS249), the government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations from the Older People's Housing Taskforce report, including its recommendation that the government should implement the Law Commission’s 2017 recommendations to regulate event fees and a comprehensive report into resale values to support better consumer understanding and sector development.

On 27 January 2026, we published the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. I refer the hon. Members to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 27 January 2026 (HCWS1278), a guide to the draft Bill which can be found on gov.uk here, and to the draft Impact Assessment for the draft Bill which can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure ethical practices by major retirement housing providers in regard to leaseholder rights; and whether he plans to alter the retirement housing service charges system.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government recognises the importance of helping older people to live independently at home for as long as possible and is committed to enhancing provision and choice for older people in the housing market, including retirement or sheltered housing. We are also committed to ensuring that leaseholders, including those living in retirement homes, are protected from unfair and unreasonable practices.

There are currently two government-approved codes of practice in force in relation to the residential leasehold sector and private retirement housing. These are the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Management Service Charge Code and the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (AHRM) Code of Practice. The enforcement of standards set out in these codes can be taken into account as evidence, at court or tribunal hearings.

Individual leases set out what services leaseholders may expect to receive, and what they should pay for. By law variable service charges must be reasonable and, where costs relate to works or services, the works or services must be of a reasonable standard. Should leaseholders wish to contest the reasonableness of their service charges, they may make an application to the appropriate tribunal.

On 4 July 2025, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. It can be found on gov.uk here. We continue to analyse the feedback received and will set out next steps in due course.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 November 2024 (HCWS249), the government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations from the Older People's Housing Taskforce report, including its recommendation that the government should implement the Law Commission’s 2017 recommendations to regulate event fees and a comprehensive report into resale values to support better consumer understanding and sector development.

On 27 January 2026, we published the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. I refer the hon. Members to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 27 January 2026 (HCWS1278), a guide to the draft Bill which can be found on gov.uk here, and to the draft Impact Assessment for the draft Bill which can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what protections are in place for the families of deceased leaseholders of retirement properties who continue to incur service charges while a property remains unsold.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government recognises the importance of helping older people to live independently at home for as long as possible and is committed to enhancing provision and choice for older people in the housing market, including retirement or sheltered housing. We are also committed to ensuring that leaseholders, including those living in retirement homes, are protected from unfair and unreasonable practices.

There are currently two government-approved codes of practice in force in relation to the residential leasehold sector and private retirement housing. These are the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Management Service Charge Code and the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (AHRM) Code of Practice. The enforcement of standards set out in these codes can be taken into account as evidence, at court or tribunal hearings.

Individual leases set out what services leaseholders may expect to receive, and what they should pay for. By law variable service charges must be reasonable and, where costs relate to works or services, the works or services must be of a reasonable standard. Should leaseholders wish to contest the reasonableness of their service charges, they may make an application to the appropriate tribunal.

On 4 July 2025, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. It can be found on gov.uk here. We continue to analyse the feedback received and will set out next steps in due course.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 November 2024 (HCWS249), the government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations from the Older People's Housing Taskforce report, including its recommendation that the government should implement the Law Commission’s 2017 recommendations to regulate event fees and a comprehensive report into resale values to support better consumer understanding and sector development.

On 27 January 2026, we published the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. I refer the hon. Members to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 27 January 2026 (HCWS1278), a guide to the draft Bill which can be found on gov.uk here, and to the draft Impact Assessment for the draft Bill which can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of i) service charges, ii) daily standard charges for electricity, and iii) ground rent on retirement home sales in Chichester constituency.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

My Department does not hold data on average service charges in Chichester.

I otherwise refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 27 January 2026 (HCWS1278) and to the draft Impact Assessment for the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill which can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the introduction of commonhold as the default tenure for flats on the (a) property price and (b) saleability of leasehold flats.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the government’s draft Impact Assessment for the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. This was published on 19 March 2026 and can be found on gov.uk here. It has been reviewed by the independent Regulatory Policy Committee which published its opinion on 1 May. It can be found on gov.uk here.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure Scottish families and businesses, including those in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, are included in reforms to improve ultrafast broadband access proposed in the UK Government’s latest consultation.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The consultation on legislative proposals to address broadband rollout in leasehold flats was published on 15th December and closed on 16th February 2026. The proposals are based on leasehold law and are applicable in England and Wales. Whilst the proposals in the consultation do not extend to Scotland, we continue to engage with the Devolved Nations on issues relating to the deployment of digital infrastructure, including deployments to blocks of flats.

It was confirmed in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 that the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill would include provisions to create a new right for leaseholders in flats to request improvements, such as gigabit-capable broadband. We are currently analysing responses to the consultation and are working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on the final policy proposals. We will provide an update on the outcome in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has, in collaboration with its counterpart in the Scottish Government, made an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to allow broadband providers to access communal areas in multi-dwelling units to upgrade flats and apartments across Scotland.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The consultation on legislative proposals to address broadband rollout in leasehold flats was published on 15th December and closed on 16th February 2026. The proposals are based on leasehold law and are applicable in England and Wales. Whilst the proposals in the consultation do not extend to Scotland, we continue to engage with the Devolved Nations on issues relating to the deployment of digital infrastructure, including deployments to blocks of flats.

It was confirmed in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 that the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill would include provisions to create a new right for leaseholders in flats to request improvements, such as gigabit-capable broadband. We are currently analysing responses to the consultation and are working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on the final policy proposals. We will provide an update on the outcome in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of whether those living in in leasehold flats and apartments in Scotland will be able to benefit from the improved access to ultrafast broadband proposed in her Department’s recent consultation.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The consultation on legislative proposals to address broadband rollout in leasehold flats was published on 15th December and closed on 16th February 2026. The proposals are based on leasehold law and are applicable in England and Wales. Whilst the proposals in the consultation do not extend to Scotland, we continue to engage with the Devolved Nations on issues relating to the deployment of digital infrastructure, including deployments to blocks of flats.

It was confirmed in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 that the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill would include provisions to create a new right for leaseholders in flats to request improvements, such as gigabit-capable broadband. We are currently analysing responses to the consultation and are working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on the final policy proposals. We will provide an update on the outcome in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what legislative options her Department is considering to improve broadband builders’ access to upgrade rental flats and apartments.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The consultation on legislative proposals to address broadband rollout in leasehold flats was published on 15th December and closed on 16th February 2026. The proposals are based on leasehold law and are applicable in England and Wales. Whilst the proposals in the consultation do not extend to Scotland, we continue to engage with the Devolved Nations on issues relating to the deployment of digital infrastructure, including deployments to blocks of flats.

It was confirmed in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 that the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill would include provisions to create a new right for leaseholders in flats to request improvements, such as gigabit-capable broadband. We are currently analysing responses to the consultation and are working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on the final policy proposals. We will provide an update on the outcome in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if his Department will ensure the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill includes retrospective powers for leaseholders to remove 'embedded managers,' without no-fault litigation where historic structural neglect is proven.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

It is unacceptable for a managing agent to refuse to vacate a site when it loses a contract to another agent. Landlords may seek legal advice on possible courses of action when such circumstances arise. These may include making a formal complaint to the relevant redress scheme or seeking an injunction in the County Court. Leaseholders, including resident directors, can also seek guidance and free initial legal advice from the government-funded Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE).

The previous government’s Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 contains no provisions designed to prevent managing agents using subsidiary, sister, or associated organisations to deliver services.

The draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill contains no provisions relating to embedded management companies. We await the conclusions of the pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill being undertaken by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee and will review the feedback received before publishing a substantive Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made for the effectiveness of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 in preventing vertical integration within management groups, where managing agents appoint their own organisation and sister, or associated companies as Company Secretaries and maintenance providers.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

It is unacceptable for a managing agent to refuse to vacate a site when it loses a contract to another agent. Landlords may seek legal advice on possible courses of action when such circumstances arise. These may include making a formal complaint to the relevant redress scheme or seeking an injunction in the County Court. Leaseholders, including resident directors, can also seek guidance and free initial legal advice from the government-funded Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE).

The previous government’s Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 contains no provisions designed to prevent managing agents using subsidiary, sister, or associated organisations to deliver services.

The draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill contains no provisions relating to embedded management companies. We await the conclusions of the pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill being undertaken by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee and will review the feedback received before publishing a substantive Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance his Department has issued to resident management companies on steps to take when a national service maintenance provider (managing agent) refuses to vacate a site following a lawful notice of termination.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

It is unacceptable for a managing agent to refuse to vacate a site when it loses a contract to another agent. Landlords may seek legal advice on possible courses of action when such circumstances arise. These may include making a formal complaint to the relevant redress scheme or seeking an injunction in the County Court. Leaseholders, including resident directors, can also seek guidance and free initial legal advice from the government-funded Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE).

The previous government’s Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 contains no provisions designed to prevent managing agents using subsidiary, sister, or associated organisations to deliver services.

The draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill contains no provisions relating to embedded management companies. We await the conclusions of the pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill being undertaken by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee and will review the feedback received before publishing a substantive Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to include measures to replace forfeiture in the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

On forfeiture reform, I refer the Noble Lord to the Written Ministerial Statement on 27 January 2026 (HLWS1278).

The government is committed to ensuring that those living in the rented and leasehold sectors are protected from abuse and poor service at the hands of unscrupulous property agents.

The previous government committed to regulate the property agent sector in 2018 and asked a working group Chaired by Lord Best to advise them how to do it, yet it failed to respond to their findings from 2019. We are looking again at Lord Best’s 2019 report on regulating the property agent sector, particularly in light of the recommendations in the final Grenfell Inquiry report.

On 4 July 2025, we launched a wide-ranging consultation on proposals to hold landlords and managing agents to account for the services they provide and the charges and fees they levy. This included a number of proposals recommended by Lord Best, including the introduction of mandatory qualifications for managing agents and estate managers on freehold estates. We are clear that this consultation is not the final step in the regulation of managing agents and we will continue to reflect on the various other recommendations made in the 2019 report.

The government’s recent home buying and selling reform consultation sought views on proposals to professionalise property agents, including introducing a code of practice setting out minimum standards for letting, estate and managing agents.

The government also proposed a future consultation on mandatory qualifications for letting and estate agents and, depending on the outcome, potential legislation in respect of this issue. The home buying and selling reform consultation closed on 29 December and we will publish a roadmap setting out further details later this year.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill on the availability of housing-with-care for older people.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 108467 on 3 February 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill on levels of supply of housing-with-care for older people.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 108467 on 3 February 2026.

Found: In January 2026, it published a draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill.

Found: leasehold system to an end”.40 To this end, the government published a draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Leasehold reform

Leasehold reform (No. 3)

Found: and Wales by the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LFRA) and the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill will transform the experience of home ownership for millions

Found: The likely size of the substantive Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, at around 260 clauses and 20

Found: The likely size of the substantive Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, at around 260 clauses and 20

Found: design and delivery of further reforms, including those set out in the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: development of further reforms, particularly the recently published draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: and to reform the leasehold system, including the capping of ground rents (Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: RPC opinion: impact of draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: RPC opinion: impact of draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: ........................................................................42 Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: ........................................................................ 42 Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: ..................................................................... 42 Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: and to reform the leasehold system, including the capping of ground rents [Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: and to reform the leasehold system, including the capping of ground rents [Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: design and delivery of further reforms, including those set out in the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: RPC statement: draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: The draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill published in January 2026, sets out proposals to reinvigorate

Found: ) 10 Research into the sale and use of leaseholds in Wales, 2021 11 Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Found: Written Statement: Publication of draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill (30 January 2026)

Question

What steps is the Welsh Government taking to move away from the leasehold system?

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government

I have welcomed the publication of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny in the UK Parliament. The Bill includes reforms to make commonhold the workable alternative to leasehold it was always intended to be. It also sets out the legal framework for a ban on the use of certain long residential leases of flats from an as yet unspecified future date. 

We continue to work closely with the UK Government on this important area of reform. As I have said before, the law underpinning leasehold is complex and challenging for ordinary homeowners to navigate effectively. Working together on a common body of reformed law will reduce complexity, maximise clarity and coherence, and ensure the new fairer reformed system applies to all.