In Parliament today, Housing Minister, Alok Sharma MP made a statement to announce a call for evidence on Protecting Consumers in the Letting and Management Agents market.

The Housing Minister in his statement said that some freeholders on new-build estates pay money and receive services, but have little say over which agent provides them or what cost. Lucy Allan MP recently chaired a public meeting in Lawley on this issue.

Following the Minister’s statement, Telford’s MP, Lucy Allan asked the Minister what steps can be taken to protect consumer rights of freeholders who pay management fees, and specifically referred to Lawley Village Telford, where residents have been raising concerns.

Alok Sharma agreed to look at all matters and urged residents to forward their thoughts as part of the call for evidence.

Responding to the statement, Lucy Allan said:

‘I am pleased that I was able to raise the problems freeholders paying management fees face with the Housing Minister in Parliament.

‘The Minister’s response is an encouraging sign that the Government will be looking at all areas in their consultation, including the rights and protections for freeholders. This will be welcome in Lawley Village and across Telford.’