As your local MP here in Manchester Central, I wanted to update you on last week’s major development regarding leasehold reform with the publication of the Commonhold White Paper here.

Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook MP, whom many of you will have met at our really positive virtual leaseholders roundtable, has now set out the Government’s plan to abolish leasehold for new flats and move towards a fairer, more transparent commonhold system. This means in future: 

• No new leasehold flats – Commonhold will be the new standard for apartment ownership. 

• More rights for existing leaseholders – Stronger protections against unfair fees, excessive service charges, and hidden costs. 

• A pathway for commonhold conversion – Ensuring leaseholders in existing buildings aren’t left behind.

What’s Next? 

The Draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill will also be published later, setting out these and further changes. As the Minister made clear, leasehold reform is complex, and the Government is taking the time to get this right—ensuring freeholders and managing agents cannot challenge the reforms in court or exploit loopholes. 

Action so far 

Labour is already implementing key reforms, including: 

• Expanding Right to Manage from 3rd March 2025, making it easier for leaseholders to take control. 

• New protections against excessive legal costs, ensuring fairer access to dispute resolution. 

• Greater transparency on service charges and insurance costs, tackling unfair fees and hidden charges. 

For those of you who want to stay engaged and meet other leaseholders here in Manchester Central, you can sign up to our Leaseholders Network for Manchester Central here.

If you have any questions or issues with your building, freeholder, or managing agent, please get in touch. I will also keep you updated on further developments as the reforms progress.