§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence he has received on the obstacles to leasehold enfranchisement. [34767]
§ Mr. ClappisonLeasehold enfranchisement is a private transaction between the leaseholders and the landlord, and it is therefore not possible to obtain comprehensive information on a regular basis of the reasons why leaseholders may not have proceeded with enfranchisement. My Department does, however, monitor the number of cases coming before leasehold valuation tribunals where the parties cannot agree terms. To date, 31 cases have been heard and 10 are listed to be heard in the near future.
We have let a research contract to Sheffield Hallam university to follow up the progress with enfranchisement, of a sample of the people who have approached the Leasehold Enfranchisement Advisory Service. We expect to publish the final report towards the end of 1996.