Over the past 18 months, Richard has campaigned for reform of freehold management charges.
Many constituents have been in touch with Richard to recount their concerns about the way in which management charges are being levied, a problem which affects many thousands of people across North East Bedfordshire. The current system of freehold estate management charges is a mess and has resulted in unreasonable charges, a lack of transparency, poor services and no rights for homeowners to challenge bills they think are wrong or unfair.
At the start of 2023, Richard coordinated a letter to the Prime Minister signed by more than 30 other MPs highlighting concerns and calling on the PM to introduce reform. In April 2023, Richard called a debate in Parliament about the specific issues in North East Bedfordshire and in October 2023 he presented a petition to Number 10 with local councillors asking for Rishi Sunak to introduce new legislation. The Prime Minister listened, and the government committed to delivering change in the King's Speech.
Having listened to Richard's calls, the government proposed a Bill to establish a new statutory regime for freehold homeowners based on the rights that leaseholders already have. Richard sat on the Bill committee and has continued his fight for the rights of freeholders through the Committee and the remaining stages through the House of Commons.
