Maria Eagle MP A Strong Voice in Tough Times
On Tuesday, I raised in the House of Commons the plight of homeowners who have bought newly built houses on long leases and find themselves being financially exploited by freeholders who want to squeeze increasing amounts of money out of them in ground rent and charges.
According to the most recent figures, 69% of all new build houses in the North West were sold as leaseholds in2016 so this financial exploitation is a big problem.It’s a scam and despite there being no good reason to sell houses as leaseholds, it’s happening a lot in Garston and Halewood. Homes in Cressington Heath and Gateacre Park and in Halewood have been sold in this way.
During the debate, I asked the responding Minister Dominic Raab to commit to do more to help home owners already trapped in these onerous agreements. Despite this, the Minister made no reference at all to the issue of leaseholds when responding to the debate. I tried to intervene to ask him for answers, but he twice refused to hear my question saying he didn’t have time.
He then proceeded to dedicate much of his speech to attacking the Labour party, before sit down with a minute to spare. So much for not having time. I’m afraid the Government showed little understanding of this issue and the problems it is causing for families in my constituency and on this showing, they seemed to care even less.