Protecting leaseholders and homeowners
This week, Parliament returned after the conference recess.
At the Labour Party Conference, I was glad to hear the Prime Minister promise reform through our Leasehold and Commonhold Bill, putting power back in homeowners’ and leaseholders’ hands.
We will end the sale of new leasehold flats and cap administration and permission fees, while property agents will face statutory regulation, licensing and qualification requirements.
To support leaseholders in Adur and Worthing, I previously created a survey to hear concerns about their managing agents, including FirstPort, and reported the findings to a group of MPs and the companies themselves. I will continue to hold managing agents to account on behalf of my constituents and push for wider reforms.
I was also pleased the Prime Minister announced a £48 million partnership with the BARBARA Alliance to support dementia research.
On Friday in the constituency, I met with the National Coastwatch Institution again in Shoreham to thank the volunteers for their hard work, including their efforts on the day of the tragic drownings this summer. I then met with residents about their exciting plans for a community centre on the New Monks Park development in Lancing.
I also visited Worthing High School to see their Forest School in action and to get an update on the successful work we have done together to secure funding for additional SEND classrooms. At Whytemead Primary School, it was good to launch their Poppy Appeal with the Worthing Veterans Association including their Chairman Mark Carlisle.
Over the weekend, I attended Shoreham Farmers’ Market – thank you to the many residents for the thoughtful conversations about everything from the environment to e-bikes, renewable energy, and the importance of tackling antisemitism.