Have Your Say: Abena Oppong-Asare MP Welcomes Leaseholder Consultation
The Government is consulting on long-overdue reforms to the leasehold system – and this is your chance to influence change.
Too many leaseholders in Erith and Thamesmead face high service charges, poor management, and little say over their own homes. I hear regularly from residents about inflated fees, unaccountable managing agents, and restrictive rules.
This consultation, entitled “Strengthening leaseholder protections over fees, charges and services”, is in two parts:
Part 1: Implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
- Increase transparency over fees and service charges, with clearer annual reports and access to building accounts.
- Improving the appeals process by removing the presumption for leaseholders to pay the freeholder’s legal costs in certain cases.
Part 2: Further Reforms
- Reforming the Section 20 ‘Major Works’ rules so agents plan ahead and leaseholders have more say in major projects.
- Mandatory qualifications for managing agents to ensure competence and accountability.
Taken together, these proposals would give leaseholders far greater rights, protections, and power to challenge unfair costs. They are part of the Government’s wider plan to bring the feudal leasehold system to an end, with a draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill due later this year.
The consultation is open for 12 weeks, closing on the 26th September 2025.
You can have your say, and respond to the consultation here.
As your local MP, I will continue to push for a fairer, more transparent system for leaseholders in Erith and Thamesmead. Your voice and experiences matter – please take this chance to share them and help shape the future of these reforms.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this consultation or if you need any further assistance.
