Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:26 pm on 31 January 2018.
That is the point I'm following through and taking up. But it was important that I was able to raise that and get that response from the Minister. But I'm also aware that the Home Builders Federation has stated that they're working with their members to look at alternatives to leasehold, such as commonhold, using the right-to-manage legislation. I don't think that's been mentioned yet this afternoon. I also heard from the Minister that she'd like to see more right-to-manage companies being set up as they allow leaseholders to take control of the management of their buildings and free themselves from management companies that are not providing a professional and value-for-money service.
I'm also aware of not-for-profit management companies that are being set up. Indeed, we have some examples of those in my constituency, but, of course, they require considerable voluntary skill and voluntary management capacity.
I also understand, and I look forward to hearing from the Minister, that she's looking at the regulation of residential leasehold management companies as part of options for wider leasehold reform. But, as has been said, the Welsh Government is subsidising and supporting home buyers, particularly young home buyers, with Help to Buy, but there are disadvantages in the short and long-term leasehold arrangements being imposed on them. One of my constituents has said on behalf of her daughter in this position, 'There needs to be more information available about the hidden costs of leasehold to alert young buyers who are unaware of the pitfalls.'
Mick Antoniw spelt this out very clearly in bringing forth this debate, in his opening speech on the inherent unfairness and complexity of the leasehold system. He asked the Minister for clarification over when she'll be making an announcement on this important matter—in line with our manifesto—which is disadvantaging many households in Wales. Could Wales learn from Scotland and lead the way in leasehold reform?