On March 3, 2025, the streets of London, England will look a little different. As I walk through the residential areas, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Since being elected, one of my top priorities has been to address the inequalities and injustices faced by leaseholders in our country and specifically in my constituency.
The Cities of London and Westminster have some of the highest concentrations of leasehold properties, and the challenges faced by residents are real and ongoing. From skyrocketing fees to unaccountable managing agents, delays in repairs, and a system that leaves homeowners with little control over their own homes, the struggles are daily and tangible.
But since my election, I have made it my mission to meet with residents, listen to their stories, and use their insights to shape my work in parliament. I have worked closely with my constituents to gather evidence, collaborated with fellow MPs, and rallied action to ensure that the voices of leaseholders are heard. This has included summoning unscrupulous managing agents to parliament and holding them accountable for their poor service.
Today, I am proud to announce that our efforts have paid off. The Government has introduced a Bill that will bring about a new process for converting leasehold properties into commonhold. This legislation is a practical solution to a long-standing problem. It aligns conversion with wider enfranchisement processes, making it possible when 50% of qualifying leaseholders agree. By creating a clear and fair path to ownership, it empowers residents to take control of their homes, rather than being at the mercy of distant freeholders or unaccountable management companies.
But this Bill goes beyond just conversion. It also introduces measures to align the community rules and existing leases, ensuring that blocks can be managed effectively, fairly, and sustainably. For the first time, there is a framework that balances the rights of all residents while creating genuine accountability in the management of shared homes.
This is a restoration of trust and fairness in a system that has too often left leaseholders feeling powerless. The Bill also includes a mechanism to phase out remaining leases, replacing them with commonhold units over time. This means that leaseholders will have a new right to buy their commonhold unit, replacing their existing right to a lease extension and providing clarity and security for the future. And when a leaseholder wishes to sell, the commonhold unit must also be sold, making transactions straightforward and protecting the interests of residents.
This Bill is more than just legal reform. It is a reflection of the Government’s commitment to listening to residents, engaging meaningfully with the communities it serves, and taking decisive action to correct long-standing injustices. It is a win not just for the residents of my constituency, but for leaseholders across the country who have long campaigned for clarity, control, and fairness in their homes.
I am proud to see the Government taking such thorough action on this issue, which reflects how important it is for residents across the Cities of London and Westminster. The constituents who have written to me, attended my Leasehold Action Group, and supported each other in dealing with unscrupulous managing agents, now have a government that is listening to them and standing up for them against vested interests in the freehold sector.
This Bill is a clear example of how government can make systems work for citizens, not against them. It puts power back in the hands of residents, ensures blocks are managed fairly, and begins to dismantle the inequities of the leasehold system. I wholeheartedly welcome this Bill and I believe that today, leaseholders have reason to hope and celebrate because finally, the law is starting to work for them.
In a broader sense, this Bill reflects a principle that the state exists to serve its citizens, not to work against them. And with this legislation, the Government is doing just that. It is creating a fair and transparent system that empowers residents and ensures that their homes are managed in a way that benefits them.
As we move forward, I am confident that this Bill will have a positive impact on the lives of leaseholders across the country. It is a step towards a more just and equitable housing system, and it is a testament to what can be achieved when we listen to the voices of those who are directly affected by these issues.
In conclusion, I am proud to see the Government taking decisive action to address the challenges faced by leaseholders. This Bill is a win for
