At yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran passionately called on the government to impose an immediate cap on service charges. She strongly called for the creation of a new regulatory authority. We’re pushing back from some alarming examples connected to Oxford. As a result, tenants have been faced with sharp rises in service charges, as well as the inflation of other fees and charges by housing providers.
Tenant eviction capacity
Moran emphasized two recent anti-tenant cases that affect the tenants in her district. Our third example is Rebecca, who lives in a home owned and managed by the housing association GreenSquareAccord. This uncertainty about costs and these unexpected new charges are behind Moran’s decision to take action, bringing these concerns directly to the floor of Parliament.
“Through this, we will strengthen regulation to protect leaseholders from abuse and poor service,” the Prime Minister stated, referencing the ongoing implementation of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act. Through this legislation they are protecting leaseholders from being shaken down and demanding they get treated fairly by the people providing their housing.
During her speech in Parliament, Moran expressed her worry about the crisis facing housing associations. She termed it a “wild west” situation, pointing out that some providers are charging exorbitant convenience fees to consumers. This is why she continued to raise attention to the need for oversight so they would not be allowed to carry out more injustice.
Rebecca echoed Moran’s sentiments regarding the rising charges, stating, “I think it’s shocking. I think it’s unfair.” Yet her personal experience has become emblematic of a far bigger issue faced by leaseholders around the country, leaseholders like Keith.
Sir Keir Starmer participated in the debate and welcomed the passing of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act as an important step. He emphasized how important this act is to providing fundamental protections to renters. He emphatically proclaimed that this legislation is sorely needed. It goes right to the “abuse and poor service” that Moran and others pointed out.
Parliament is currently locked in negotiations. The spotlight’s on tenants like Rebecca, and it is exposing the need for strong regulatory action to guarantee that all housing providers engage in equitable practices. Layla Moran’s advocacy has become a rallying point for all of us fighting to establish justice in our housing contracts.
