Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill [HL]

Lord Brougham and Vaux Excerpts

Report stage
Tuesday 20th July 2021 Lords Chamber

I have actually changed my position a little in the course of listening carefully to the noble and learned Lord, Lord Etherton. I agree that we have covered a lot of the issue of informal lease extension but not change of demise. You could hypothetically look at ensuring that there was no disincentive to landlords to do that by having the same practical approach: ground rents could still be levied on the existing term of the lease, and then it would fall to peppercorn where there has been a change of demise for any future period. So I will take that thought away and consider tabling an amendment at a later stage. I hope that noble Lords will not move their amendments.

[The Deputy Speaker (Lord Brougham and Vaux) (Con)]

I have received a request from the noble Baroness, Lady Greengross, to speak after the Minister.

[Baroness Greengross (CB) [V]]

My Lords, can the Minister confirm that the definition of rent in the Bill is not intended to include other fees and charges, such as event fees and indexed service and management charges, which the Law Commission has concluded play a key role in supporting consumer choice in the UK retirement community sector? Do the Government still intend to implement the Law Commission’s recommendations in this area?

--- Later in debate ---

Amendment 3 not moved.

[The Deputy Speaker (Lord Brougham and Vaux) (Con)]

We now come to the group beginning with Amendment 4. I remind noble Lords that anybody wishing to press this or anything else in this group to a Division must declare that in debate.

Clause 2: Excepted leases

Amendment 4

Moved by

--- Later in debate ---

Amendment 5 not moved.

[The Deputy Speaker (Lord Brougham and Vaux) (Con)]

We now come to the group beginning with Amendment 6. Anyone wishing to press this or anything else in the group to a Division must make that clear in debate.

Amendment 6

Moved by