The National Leasehold Campaign (NLC) has issued a response following housing minister Matthew Pennycook’s latest intervention on the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill, in which he signalled further delays to key elements of reform.
In a speech delivered yesterday, Pennycook said it is “highly likely” that a ban on new leasehold properties will not come into force until the next parliament, despite earlier expectations of faster progress.
He maintained, however, that legislation to dismantle the leasehold system and enable a transition to commonhold would be passed before the next general election, positioning the reforms as a staged shift rather than an immediate overhaul.
Katie Kendrick (founder), Cath Williams (co-founder) and Jo Darbyshire (co-founder) have issued the following joint statement:
Complexity is not the problem – delay is
“The National Leasehold Campaign is realistic. We know that leasehold cannot be abolished overnight. But leaseholders have run out of patience, and they are entitled to. After years of promises, consultations and repeated commitments, words alone are now meaningless without visible, concrete progress. Justice delayed is justice denied, and that is exactly how leaseholders now experience this system.
“Leasehold has long been described as complex. Leaseholders have heard that explanation for more than nine years. Complexity is not the problem — delay is. It cannot continue to be used as a shield for inaction while millions remain trapped in an unfair and outdated system.
“Leaseholders are no longer asking for reassurance. They are demanding delivery. What is needed now is a clear, credible and binding timetable for reform — with milestones that the government commits to and meets. Anything less risks confirming that delay has become an accepted substitute for action.
“What the minister has confirmed today [Wednesday] is that he will not be deterred by complexity. He has been honest about the challenges, realistic about what can be achieved, and clear about the direction of travel towards finally ending the feudal leasehold system. That clarity matters. But for existing leaseholders facing escalating costs, insecurity and daily stress, intent must rapidly turn into outcomes.
“Millions have waited far too long for meaningful change. Many are losing faith that reform will ever arrive. The Minister has confirmed a determination to provide existing leaseholders with genuine escape routes — and those commitments must now be realised in legislation, not postponed yet again. Every further delay compounds the injustice.
“The National Leasehold Campaign will continue to engage constructively with government, but we will also continue to apply pressure. We bring the lived experience of leaseholders directly to the table, and we will not accept reforms that fall short or fail to address the harm people face every day.
“This is the longest‑serving Housing Minister in a decade. That continuity removes excuses. Leaseholders will rightly expect it to result in delivery, not further delay.
“The task is difficult, but it is unavoidable. Leaseholders do not need more explanations. They need action now.”
Leasehold ban unlikely before next general election, housing minister says
