The National Leasehold Campaign (NLC) yesterday mobilised leaseholders across the country in a coordinated mass email action aimed at MPs and government ministers. Leaseholders urged urgent progress on leasehold reform, criticising the government for failing to publish the long-awaited draft Leasehold and Commonhold Bill, originally promised by the end of 2025.
Emails sent to parliamentarians expressed frustration and disappointment at being left without updates, with many leaseholders describing the delay as unacceptable. The correspondence highlighted growing dissatisfaction and a loss of confidence in the government’s ability to deliver meaningful reform and, ultimately, the abolition of leasehold.
The NLC says that the mass email campaign serves as a significant reminder to parliamentarians that leaseholders are demanding accountability and timely action on the reform efforts that have been long overdue. As they welcome their representatives back to the House, leaseholders are urging politicians to prioritise the introduction of the draft bill and engage in action moving forward.
Leaseholders are committed to advocating for their rights and call for an immediate response from the Government regarding the status of the draft bill.
The mass email also calls for urgency to switch on the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA). Many of the provisions within this Act would make a real difference to existing leaseholders. A few of these important provisions include
+ Removing Marriage Value
+ Banning Leasehold houses
+ Make it easier, cheaper & quicker to buy the freehold or extend the lease.
+ Increase lease extension term from 90 years to 990 years.
+ Greater service charge transparency.
Leaseholders are still awaiting the government’s response to the ground rent consultation and urgent action on regulation of managing agents. The NLC stands firm on its position that existing ground rents should be reduced to a peppercorn. It’s the only way to even the playing field and aid the transition to Commonhold.
Leaseholders subject to onerous ground rents are also frustrated that several of the nation’s largest house builders are failing to deliver on their undertakings to the Competition and Market Authority’s (CMA) following the CMA’s damning indictment on leasehold misselling.
Jo Darbyshire, co-founder of the NLC, said: “The government must deliver full justice for leaseholders – no more excuses or delays. The history of leasehold reform is one that repeats itself and has done for decades. This government has the chance to break this cycle”
Katie Kendrick, co-founder of the NLC, commented: “Leaseholders have been extremely patient, but patience is wearing thin. We want to remind the Government that we have been waiting since 2017 for something to emerge and every year there has been yet another reason for a delay. It is no wonder trust, and confidence is at an all-time low. The question remains; will the draft bill be the salvation for leaseholders or a damp squib?”
Cath Williams, co-founder of the NLC, added: “Labour sits on the precipice between success and failure of their leasehold manifesto promises and we can only wait for the New Year to find out which it will be. NLC is ready to either celebrate or call their 34K members to action”