Assembly Votes to Launch Leasehold Advice Centre in London
The London Assembly has unanimously approved a budget motion aimed at establishing a Leasehold Advice Centre to support the city’s 1.3 million leaseholders. Proposed by Andrew Boff AM and seconded by Lord Bailey of Paddington AM, the initiative seeks £150,000 in funding as part of the Mayor’s Final Consolidated Budget for 2025-26.
Highlighting Leasehold Concerns
During a plenary meeting held on 13th February, the Assembly had previously emphasised the need to address issues surrounding leasehold ownership, advocating for its replacement with a commonhold system. This call for reform is particularly pressing, given that leaseholders constitute 36% of London’s housing stock, with a significant portion residing in flats.
In addition, it was noted that leaseholders in London face some of the highest service charges in the UK. The median annual fee was reported at £1,450 for 2022/23, with 20% of leaseholders exceeding £4,000 in annual payments. These financial burdens highlight the urgency of providing improved support for leaseholders.
Immediate Support Needed
Amid an ongoing wait for parliamentary action on leasehold reforms, the Assembly underscored the necessity of enhancing assistance for current leaseholders. The proposed Leasehold Advice Centre aims to offer tailored, London-specific advice and referrals, complementing the Mayor’s existing portal for leaseholder guidance and national services like LEASE and Citizens Advice.
In addition to providing direct support, the Centre is expected to gather critical data that will inform Greater London Authority (GLA) policymaking, aligning with the Mayor’s commitments to help leaseholders and explore alternative tenures.
A Step Towards Change
The unanimous agreement on the budget motion illustrates a concerted effort by the Assembly to acknowledge and tackle the challenges encountered by leaseholders in London. The proposed initiative aims to bridge gaps in support and pave the way for long-term solutions.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.london.gov.uk/motions/leasehold-advice-centre
