MP secures Government commitment to end ‘fleecehold’ schemes 

The Liberal Democrat MP for Thornbury and Yate, Claire Young, has secured a promise from the Government to deal with so called fleecehold schemes by the end of this parliament. 

 Many households on new private estates are facing unregulated service charges from developers for communal area and facilities, such as playgrounds and green spaces. Despite paying these charges, it is often no guarantee that the work will get done. 

 In Thornbury and Yate, many residents are trapped in these “fleecehold” schemes where freehold buyers must pay hefty estate management fees for shared spaces, without leaseholder protections. These arrangements operate like leaseholds in all but name and leave homeowners exposed to unchallengeable charges.

 Claire Young challenged the minister in the Commons on the issue, asking  whether whether the Government could promise protection from this exploitation by the end of the parliament. The minister, Matthew Pennycook, gave Ms Young a one word answer - ‘yes’.

 Ms Young said: “I am delighted that the Government has given this unambiguous pledge.  Fleecehold schemes aren’t fit for purpose and need to be addressed as soon as possible to stop homeowners being ripped off.  I will keep pressing the Government to keeps its pledge.”