§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether 326W he has studied the judgment in the case of Finchbourne v. Rodrigues in the Court of Appeal; and if he will bring forward proposals to amend the law relating to private tenancies and services charges.
§ Mr. FreesonThere has not been an opportunity to study a full report of this case, but it appears that the effect of the judgment may be to strengthen the ability of leaseholders to challenge service charges. The judgment did not appear to involve consideration of the provisions of Section 124 of the Housing Act 1974. It is too early to say what effect the judgment will have on the operation of that section or whether it will give rise to problems which might require amendments to other legislation. The situation will be kept under review.