I’ve heard from so many of you about the unfairness of our outdated leasehold system. Time and time again – whether in my my coffee mornings and surgeries and or in your emails – the experiences you’ve shared with me have highlighted the unfairness of a feudal and medieval leasehold system that costs people in Southampton hundreds of pounds a year.
Yesterday’s announcement that this Labour government will cap ground rents at £250 a year will make a real difference to many leaseholders in Southampton who, frankly, have been ripped off for too long.
It’s also right that the government has reaffirmed its commitment to ban new leasehold flats, delivering on a manifesto pledge that you voted for: the end of the outdated leasehold model.
While I’m pleased that we’re delivering on this promise, I know that there are people in Southampton who are dealing with steep – sometimes unaffordable – ground rent issues right now. I’m keen to hear about your experiences of exorbitant ground rent and will always try to help where I can. Please do email me directly if I can help.