Commonhold and Leasehold Reform

Debate between Matthew Pennycook and Josh Newbury

Tuesday 27th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Pennycook]

I simply say to my hon. Friend: as soon as possible. Through these new consumer protections, we are bringing into force a regulatory framework that takes some time to get right, but I want those protections in place as soon as possible, so that we can provide protection to his constituents and others across the country who are suffering from the set-up that he describes.

[Josh Newbury (Cannock Chase) (Lab)]

Yet again, we have the wonders of hindsight from the Conservative party. In the immortal words of Beverley Knight, “‘Shoulda woulda coulda’ means I’m out of time”, and the Tories certainly were. I thank my constituents, including Rob from Heath Hayes and Daniel and Rebecca from Brereton, who have written to me to stress the need for these reforms. Like them, I very much welcome the draft Bill. Given that these proposals will not only reform a feudal system but cap ground rents at £250, does the Minister agree that this is another way in which this Government are putting money back into the pockets of families struggling with the cost of living?

[Matthew Pennycook]

I do not want to be too critical of the Conservative Government, because they did bring forward the 2024 Act, and they did move the dial when it comes to the public conversation about things like ground rents. But ultimately, they did not finish the job, and it will fall to a Labour Government to do so.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Matthew Pennycook and Josh Newbury

Monday 2nd December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Pennycook]

We want to put in place a planning system that is geared towards meeting housing need in full. That is a clear difference between us and the Conservative party. In bringing forward its local plan and looking at development, every local area should look first at densification—that is, what it can do on brownfield land. It should only have to review green-belt land if it cannot meet the needs in that way or via cross-boundary strategic planning.

[Josh Newbury (Cannock Chase) (Lab)]

Last week, my local council announced the proposed closure of the much-loved Prince of Wales theatre in Cannock. Despite the council’s financial pressures, local people do not want that theatre to become collateral damage. Will the Minister meet me to see what could be done to explore community ownership and give our theatre the bright future that thousands of my constituents want to see?