Commonhold and Leasehold Reform

Lauren Sullivan Excerpts

Tuesday 27th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Pennycook]

I detected an unusual amount of support in that question from the hon. Lady, which I welcome. On the specific issue of insurance charges, again, there was a consultation on switching on some of the provisions in the 2024 Act that relate to insurance commissions. I am more than happy to write to her to set out further detail, but we need to bring those into force and it remains our commitment to do so at the earliest opportunity.

[Dr Lauren Sullivan (Gravesham) (Lab)]

I thank the Minister for the statement. Although, as he has pointed out, this cannot all be fixed in one go and there are other levers that he will put in place for leaseholders, will he give some reassurance to leaseholders in Gravesham who have experienced poor service that this is about rebalancing power so that they are protected going forward?

[Matthew Pennycook]

All manner of provisions in the draft Bill that we are discussing are absolutely about rebalancing leasehold and freehold interests. To take the example of forfeiture, freeholders have often been in an unassailable position of strength vis-à-vis leaseholders. That is what we are trying to address by introducing the Bill. I thank my hon. Friend for her support.