Alex Barros-Curtis has welcomed the Labour Government’s announcement that ground rents will be capped at £250 a year, calling it a “long overdue step that will make a real difference to leaseholders across Cardiff West.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, confirmed the cap as part of a wide-ranging package of reforms to fix the broken leasehold system.
Mr Barros-Curtis believes this announcement will bring real relief to families who have been hit by years of unfair and escalating costs.
“From 2019 to 2024, service charges have risen by an average of a third, putting huge pressure on household budgets. In Wales alone, service charges increased by 20.8%. I have met many local residents who have been ripped off for far too long. This cap will save some families hundreds of pounds a year and finally puts an end to one of the worst injustices in the leasehold system.”
The MP also welcomed the Government’s commitment to ban the creation of new leasehold flats, delivering on Labour’s manifesto pledge to end the outdated leasehold model once and for all.
Alex Barros-Curtis added: “This is fantastic news for leaseholders in Cardiff West who have been trapped in an unfair system for far too long. When I stood to be your local MP in July 2024, Labour promised to fix leasehold – and I’m proud that a Labour Government is now delivering where the Conservatives failed.”
“This action to protect leaseholders and help with the cost of living comes after years of inaction and broken promises from the Conservatives, who said they would fix leasehold back in 2017 and failed. Meanwhile, the Green Party didn’t even mention leasehold in their manifesto. This is change that only a Labour Government can deliver.”
Alongside the ground rent cap, the Government has published the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, which will strengthen the rights and protections of more than five million leaseholders. The Moving to Commonhold consultation has also opened, giving leaseholders the opportunity to help shape the next phase of reform.
These measures build on the recently passed Renters’ Rights Act and Labour’s landmark planning reforms, aimed at ensuring everyone has access to a safe, secure and affordable home.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Good news for homeowners – we’re capping ground rent at £250. That means if you’re a leaseholder paying more than £250, you’ll be paying less. I’ve spoken to so many people who say this will save them hundreds of pounds a year. With the cost of living the biggest issue facing families, this is a promise we made and a promise we are delivering.”
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed said:
“If you own a flat, you can be forced to pay ground rents that become completely unaffordable. We said we’d be on the side of leaseholders, and today we’re acting – saving people money and giving them control over their own homes. The leasehold system has tainted the dream of home ownership for too long, and we are calling time on it for good.”
