Monday 23rd February 2026

(1 day, 11 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Miatta Fahnbulleh Portrait Miatta Fahnbulleh
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

Yes, I or one of my colleagues will happily visit that fantastic scheme.

Josh Babarinde Portrait Josh Babarinde (Eastbourne) (LD)
- View Speech - Hansard - -

Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne is unique, in that it is the only harbour in the country where freeholders and leaseholders have to pay through their rent charge for not only the maintenance of the area, but sea defences, which elsewhere are paid for by the Government. Will the Secretary of State commit to meet me to review the fairness of that arrangement and help stem the tide of 16% increases in that rent charge, as has happened this year?

Matthew Pennycook Portrait Matthew Pennycook
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

Not just because I have accepted a large number of meetings, I think a far better way for the hon. Gentleman to submit his views would be through the appropriate consultation on freehold estates, where he can bring that case and the issues it raises to life for us.