The first King’s Speech in over seventy years was made on 7th November laying out the Government’s priorities for the year ahead and Richard was delighted to see the Government include measures to improve the rights of homeowners who are subject to estate management fees. Richard has worked with local Councillors and residents who have demonstrated shocking examples of abuse and maladministration. Together, they amassed a petition of nearly 2000 resident signatures to take to the Prime Minister and he responded by making clear he will find time to make many of the changes for which we campaigned.
Welcoming the news, Richard Fuller MP said:
Congratulations to nearly 2,000 local residents and four campaigning Bedford Borough Councillors for petitioning Rishi Sunak to include reforms to estate management fees in the King's Speech list of changes to the law that will be made in this next session.
A new statutory regime for freehold homeowners will be established based on the rights that leaseholders already have. This will ensure that estate management charges must be reasonable and service quality of an acceptable standard. There will also be a right to challenge the reasonableness of charges at the property tribunal. Homeowners will have a right to change the provider of maintenance services by applying to the tribunal for the appointment of a manager where there is significant management failure.
I will look at the legislation in detail when it is presented and may well press for further rights for homeowners to ensure estate management companies are properly accountable. But this is a big win for Cllr Jim Weir in Great Denham and Cllrs Gallagher, Coombs and Gambold on behalf of their residents and many more across the country.
The King's Speech marks the beginning of a new Parliamentary session, where the government will bring forward legislation that focuses on four key areas.
First, helping to grow the economy by introducing Bills to protect our energy security, secure the benefits of Brexit, and ensure we have the right framework for technology firms to compete and grow in the UK.
Second, strengthening society by protecting supporting private renters and landlords as well as homeowners, and eradicating antisemitism.
Third, keeping people safe by making sure the police have the powers they need, criminals get the punishment they deserve, and society is protected from terrorism. At last, the public will know that when they hear that a violent criminal has received a life sentence it will mean life, not an ever diminishing time inside.
Fourth, promoting our national interests by backing our Armed Forces, supporting Ukraine and leading the way on the challenges of the future: climate change and the applications for artificial intelligence.
The King's Speech can be read here at https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-kings-speech-2023
More information on Richard's petition to Downing Street and call for reform can be read here.
