As the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill progresses through Parliament, Cities of London & Westminster MP, Nickie Aiken, took the opportunity to meet with Housing Minister Lee Rowley MP to discuss the Bill and how it can be perfected to improve the lives of leaseholders in the Two Cities in particular.
Nickie made the case for the onerous 50% participation threshold for Right to Manage to be reduced to at least 35%. With many flat owners in the Two Cities based overseas, subletting, or living in large developments, too many local people report having struggled to secure the necessary 50% of signatories to take over management of their block and gain control of service charges.
This is why Nickie welcomes greater flexibility and the government should consider requiring only leaseholders of apartments which are their main home to qualify to secure the 50% if it won’t reduce the threshold to something more attainable.
The Minister has assured Nickie that he will consider her suggestions seriously and he recognises the issues leaseholders face in the Two Cities and across London.
