Leaseholders demand ‘action’, not party conference promises
"If the Government is serious about ending the leasehold scandal, it must match the strength of its rhetoric with the urgency of its actions," says the NLC's Katie Kendrick.
Campaigners have hit back after the Housing Secretary insisted that the Government would do more to protect leaseholders.
Speaking at the Labour Party Conference, Angela Rayner said legislation would be introduced to support and protect the five million leaseholders in Britain who pay ‘hidden fees and traps’.
But the National Leasehold Campaign, (NLC), told The Neg: “If the Government is serious about ending this scandal, it must match the strength of its rhetoric with the urgency of its actions.
“Leaseholders have waited long enough.”
If the Government is serious about ending this scandal, it must match the strength of its rhetoric with the urgency of its actions.”
Speaking exclusively to The Neg, Katie Kendrick OBE, Founder of the National Leasehold Campaign, claimed that Rayner is right to say there is “unfinished business on leasehold”.
She said: “If anything, that is an understatement.
“Leaseholders are being exploited every single day in plain sight. This is one of the biggest consumer scandals in modern Britain, with millions trapped in a system that allows excessive charges, poor accountability and the relentless extraction of money from ordinary people.”
She described Rayner’s speech as “strong”, saying that her recognition of the scale of the problem is “welcomed”.
But she went on to warn that leaseholders still have the right to be sceptical given the reform delays they have experienced to date.
Leasehold reform
Kendrick said: “They have heard strong speeches, bold promises and firm commitments before. Yet too many are still waiting for the meaningful change they were promised years ago.
“The time for warm words is over. Leaseholders do not need another statement of intent. They need action.”
Kenrick called on the Government to publish a clear implementation timetable for leasehold reform, setting out exactly what measures will be introduced, when legislation will be brought forward, and when leaseholders can expect to see real change.
“Not at some undefined point in the future, but with specific dates, milestones and deadlines against which ministers can be held accountable,” she said.
She added that every day of delay means more leaseholders being overcharged, more families trapped in unfair arrangements, and more confidence lost in the promise of reform.
“That is simply unacceptable,” she said.
“If the Government is serious about ending this scandal, it must match the strength of its rhetoric with the urgency of its actions.
“Leaseholders have waited long enough. They deserve a clear roadmap, a clear timeline and, above all, delivery. Words are easy. Reform is what matters.”
