§ Mr. WoolasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the outcome of the consultation on residential leasehold reform; and how he proposes to take the matters forward. [103750]
§ Mr. RaynsfordWe have published today a report on the responses to the consultation paper "Residential Leasehold Reform in England and Wales" which was issued in November 1998. 956 responses were received. There was widespread support for the objectives put forward in the consultation paper although there were differences as to the way in which these should be achieved.
As Her Majesty announced in the gracious speech on 17 November 1999, Official Report, column 7, the Government will publish a draft Bill in the current session on proposals for commonhold and leasehold reform. This will provide a further opportunity for consultation on detailed proposals. We have also published today a summary of the proposals that are likely to be included in the draft Bill. Copies of the report and the summary have been placed in the House Libraries.
These proposals, if approved by Parliament, would represent a major improvement to the rights of existing leaseholders. With the proposals for Commonhold, which are being taken forward by my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor, they will go a long way towards ensuring that all home owners enjoy the same degree of security and control over their homes.