Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill [Lords] (Second sitting)

Lilian Greenwood Excerpts

Committee stage
Tuesday 7th December 2021 Public Bill Committees

[Eddie Hughes]

I can say only what I said earlier: I do not think that clause 8 and the duty to inform are required. I am not sure that it would necessarily make it easier. The hon. Gentleman questioned why somebody would want to pursue it themselves. As I said, they would no doubt be a well informed and able person. I am not sure that the duty to inform would have applied.

[Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab)]

Will the Minister expand on clause 15(5), on the amount of interest payable not exceeding

“the amount ordered to be paid under section 14”,

and the equity of that? It strikes me that if someone is required to make a payment and a long period has expired, which is why interest is being added to the amount, for what reason would that be deemed not payable? How would that be fair on someone who has been disadvantaged in that way?

[Eddie Hughes]

I think it simply represents the fact that, in reality, we will ensure that we pursue these things more quickly. We should not be in a position where the two are of equal level. I understand the hon. Lady’s point and will consider this further as the Bill progresses.