As has been widely reported in the press, many leaseholders have faced huge bills relating to fire safety remedial works as building owners seek to pass costs through the service charge mechanism in leases.
The House of Lords had submitted amendments to the Fire Safety Bill, which is currently making its way towards Royal Assent, with the intention to stop this practice. Although almost 30 Conservative rebels sided with Labour in support of the suggested amendments, the vote was won by the government 322 to 253.
The Housing minister, Christopher Pincher, said that “despite the best intentions” the rebel’s amendments were “unworkable and impractical” and explained that the amendment could trigger legal action by building owners against the government to reclaim costs, while others could “walk away” from their ownership, making the problem worse.
“It is taking a heavy toll on people’s mental health and is putting millions of lives on hold.” Sarah Jones, the shadow fire and policing minister
