MPS’ ANGER AT SCANDAL OF ‘UNFAIR’ LEASEHOLDS
MPS covering Halton have quizzed the Government over unfair practices in the leasehold market and what is being done to help those affected.
Weaver Vale’s Mike Amesbury initially spoke to Theresa May in the House Of Commons on Wednesday, January 10.
He said at least 1.4m households across the UK have been victims of ‘unfair practices’ in the market including his constituent Emily Mar- tin. Mr Amesbury’s constituency stretches across east Runcorn, Frodsham and Daresbury.
He said: “In advance of any intended legislation, what commitment will the PM make to ensure that Emily and thousands of people tied into this PPI-like scandal are compensated by developers now?”
Mrs May said the Government is ‘concerned’ over unfair practices taking place and added she was ‘sure’ housing minister Dominic Rabb would be happy to hear of the particular case Mr Amesbury highlighted as an example.
She said: “We are looking to see what action the Government can take to ensure that people are secure in their homes and are not subject to practices that they should not be subject to.”
In a separate Commons session, Halton MP Derek Twigg said a number of his constituents had contacted him over the ‘leasehold scandal’.
He said people have found that their leasehold has been sold on to ‘unscrupulous financiers’ and asked one of the Government’s whips Paul Maynard for a debate on the subject.
Mr Twigg said: “The Government have said that they are going to do something about it, but what about the people already caught in the trap?
“May we have a debate in Government time to hear what the Government intend to do about the people who have already been affected?”
Mr Maynard replied: “I recognise that those concerns are shared across the House, and we have already committed to making progress on the matter.
“The hon. gentleman will have heard what the Prime Minister had to say about addressing the concerns, and I am sure that he will have the opportunity to secure an adjournment or Westminster Hall debate to raise this important issue.”