Ministers accused of ‘kicking the can down the road’ on leasehold crackdown
2 min read
Ministers have been accused of delaying a crackdown on rip-off leasehold agreements on new homes, after a fresh consultation was launched.
The Government vowed to act last year after it found that homeowners were being charged exorbitant ground rents as part of exploitative leasehold contracts.
Last December, the then Housing Secretary Sajid Javid promised an end to the practice, saying: “It’s unacceptable for home buyers to be exploited through unnecessary leaseholds, unjustifiable charges and onerous ground rent terms.
“It’s clear from the overwhelming response from the public that real action is needed to end these feudal practices.”
But current Housing Secretary James Brokenshire has today launched a fresh consultation into the issue, prompting accusations that the Government is neglecting key domestic policies because of Brexit.
Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said: “The Conservatives have developed a very bad habit of kicking cans down the road.
“And here we are again – another consultation instead of legislation, a government consumed by Brexit that talks rather than does.”
Asked by the Independent how the new consultation differs from last year’s a spokesman for the Housing Department said: “This technical consultation will seek views on how to implement these reforms to the leasehold system.
“This is a highly complex area and it is important that we get the detail right.”
Mr Brokenshire said: “Unfair ground rents can turn a homeowner’s dream into a nightmare by hitting them in the back pocket, and making their property harder to sell.
“That’s why I’m taking concrete action to protect homeowners and end those unscrupulous leasehold practices that can cost tenants hundreds of pounds.”
PoliticsHome Newsletters
PoliticsHome provides the most comprehensive coverage of UK politics anywhere on the web, offering high quality original reporting and analysis: Subscribe
