8. Debate on a Member's Legislative Proposal: Estate Management Companies

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:49 pm on 14 March 2018.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Rebecca Evans Rebecca Evans Labour 3:49, 14 March 2018

Absolutely. My intention is to use the constructive relationship that we have built, as evidenced by the recent agreement that we've secured from the house builders, to start to move on and explore the issues that have been raised in this debate today.

In response to Members' leaseholders concerns, I've already introduced a brand new Wales conveyancer accreditation scheme in order to ensure that purchasers have access to good-quality independent advice. Conveyancers will have to complete training and comply with the high standards set out by that scheme. And, again, I'm going to ask my officials to explore how this particular scheme can be used and adopted to address some of the concerns that Members have raised today in relation to freehold.

I've also made clear my intention to put in place a voluntary code of practice to underpin the measures I've already announced in order to start to address those leasehold concerns and to improve standards, improve engagement between all parties, and promote best practice. Again, you have my commitment to explore how we can use that code to address the specific issues that we've had in this debate with regard to freehold.

Finally, I would confirm that I'll set up a task and finish group to advise me on what else can be done to professionalise and raise the standards of conduct in the property and estate management sector. I will specifically ask that group to consider the contributions that Members have made throughout this debate today, and give my commitment to update Members in due course. But, in the meantime, I very much look forward to the next individual Member's ballot, and I look forward to considering Hefin's detailed proposals, should he be successful.