Rayner Urges Faster Leasehold Reform in UK

0:00On March 4, Angela Reiner is pushing the government to speed up leaseholder form in the U.K. The former deputy prime minister told a parliamentary committee that ministers need to act fast on capping ground rents and tackling road managing agents. She warned that delays would damage public trust and led vested interests went out. The government's draft bill aims to cap annual ground rents at 250 pounds for existing leaseholders. It would also ban new leasehold flats and give homeowners more say in building management. But Reiner says it falls short, calling for an independent regulator for agents and clearer rules on rising service charges. Homeowners have long complained about unfair fees and poor management, and Reiner stressed this is a moral issue, not just politics. She urged the Treasury to ignore pushback from freeholders and deliver on election promises. Below progress, she argued, makes parliament look weak against powerful lobbies. Reiner resigned last September over a tax issue with her flat, but remains influential.

1:04She's intervened before to steer the government, like on sticking to pledges, and is seen as a potential future leader. Her testimony marks another bold move to hold ministers accountable. The bill is now under committee review before heading to full parliament debate. With pressure building from figures like Reiner, reform could gain real momentum soon. This pressure building from figures like Reiner, reform could gain real momentum soon.