Regulation of Property Agents

Debate between Lord Sharma and Justin Madders

1st reading: House of Commons
Wednesday 18th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I encourage the hon. Member for Cheadle (Mary Robinson) to circulate her text book on succinct questions. It would be of great benefit to colleagues.

[Justin Madders (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab)]

My constituents trapped in rip-off leasehold houses now look forward to swift action from the Government following the consultation that has just closed. Turning to this statement, more and more new estates are subject to management fees because developers are not transferring responsibility for common parts to local authorities, meaning that many homeowners are effectively paying twice for the same services. Will the new consultation examine ways of requiring developers to pass on those maintenance functions, which should properly be the responsibility of councils?

[Alok Sharma]

This is a call for evidence, and right hon. and hon. Members and others should put forward any evidence they have.