Oral Answers to Questions

Apsana Begum Excerpts

Monday 23rd February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sadik Al-Hassan (North Somerset) (Lab)]

13. What steps his Department is taking to reform the leasehold sector.

[Apsana Begum (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab)]

19. What steps he plans to take to reform the leasehold system.

[Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)]

20. What steps his Department is taking to reform the leasehold sector.

--- Later in debate ---

[Steve Reed]

I recognise, of course, the situation my hon. Friend is describing and how unacceptable it is. The Government are committed to ensuring that those living in leasehold properties are protected from abuse and poor service at the hands of unscrupulous managing agents. On 4 July last year, we consulted on the introduction of mandatory qualifications for managing agents, and we are analysing responses right now. We are clear that this consultation is not the final step in the regulation of agents, and we will set out our full position shortly.

[Apsana Begum]

I have been working with leasehold groups in my constituency such as the aptly named Friends in High Places group. They inform me that the combined costs of the Building Safety Regulator’s fees, the purchasing of reports and various surveys, and the remediation works needed are giving rise to potentially enormous bills, which could lead to leaseholders becoming bankrupt and homeless, as the bills are not picked up by developers or freeholders for older buildings, or resident management companies. Will the Minister outline how upcoming legislation will clarify what counts as proportionate and/or reasonable costs that fall on to leaseholders in relation to the BSR’s work?

[Steve Reed]

I commend the work of the Friends in High Places group, which my hon. Friend has been working with. We are now seeing improvements in the performance of the Building Safety Regulator, but she is right that unfair costs should not fall on leaseholders. If it would be helpful, I will happily arrange a meeting between her and the relevant Minister.