Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps the Leasehold Advisory Service takes to identify specialist mental health organisations that leaseholders could be signposted to.

The Government funds the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) to provide free and independent advice to leaseholders, including those affected by building safety issues. This aims to help them make informed decisions on next steps and engage confidently with freeholders, developers and managing agents. Advice is open to all and there is no limit on the amount of advice an individual can seek to support their chances of achieving the best possible outcome in their case.

LEASE give this practical legal advice through their website but also through one-to-one calls with dedicated building safety advisers, and online resources such as tailored articles, FAQs and factsheets. Calls are used to help individuals work through the issues and next steps in what can be very distressing circumstances.

LEASE takes its role in supporting them very seriously and staff have received training from ‘The Samaritans’ to equip them to identify where individuals are suffering mental health issues. LEASE staff are aware of the need to take action to safeguard customers as needed and where appropriate individuals are encouraged to contact The Samaritans or their GP. All aspects of the service are kept under review to ensure funding delivers what leaseholders need.

Government is working to make sure that all people, regardless of their residential situation, get the help and support they need with their mental health. Where residents of buildings with fire safety issues need mental health support, they should make contact with their GP to discuss these issues so they may be referred to mental health services as appropriate.