Go further on regulating leasehold managing agents, Rayner urges

"She told the committee the lack of regulation of managing agents was "a real problem" and said the government needed "to go further and harder" on proposals by Lord Best in 2019 to introduce an independent regulator."

"Many leaseholders complain of unjustified service charges, which they have no control over and must pay for the management and maintenance of their building."

"The government's draft leasehold bill is currently being scrutinised by the committee before making its way through Parliament. The legislation would also ban the sale of new leasehold flats and give homeowners greater control over how buildings are managed."

Angela Rayner, former Housing Secretary, addressed Parliament's Housing Committee regarding the government's draft leasehold bill. While praising the legislation for balancing reform with practicality, she called for more aggressive action on regulating managing agents and addressing service charges. The draft bill bans new leasehold flat sales and increases homeowner control over building management, but lacks specific provisions for managing agent regulation. Rayner emphasized that managing agent regulation represents a significant problem requiring stronger measures, referencing Lord Best's 2019 proposals for an independent regulator. She stressed the need for faster implementation of transparency measures regarding building insurance charges and professional qualifications for managing agents. Approximately five million leasehold homes exist in England and Wales, where residents often face unjustified service charges with limited control.

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