Forum Topic

MPs reject move to shield residents from fire safety costs

MPs have rejected a move to give more protections to leaseholders and tenants in England from footing the bill for fire safety work on buildings.They opposed an attempt by peers to force the government to stump up the cash and recover it from developers.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-56491991This is unforgivable!

Ivonne Holliday ● 1835d14 Comments

Good evening Ivonne,"The expectation of fair play, good regulation and good laws is innate in the British way of life - and long may it continue!"Perhaps there was a time when the expectation was more realistic but surely that boat ⛵ decades ago?The reality is that a lot of people are stuck in short term let's paying very high rents or they are buying leaseholds and getting stung with high service charge fees and repairs. That has been the case for decades as I have mentioned thru blue and so called red (light blue) governments.I will have to have a look to see where the parties stand now.

Ed Robinson ● 1834d

Good morning Ed,"The problem is that people have an expectation of fair play, good regulation and good laws. Sadly this is often not the reality in the UK.I would suggest a more realistic expectation is taught in school and home."The expectation of fair play, good regulation and good laws is innate in the British way of life - and long may it continue!Sadly, as you say, this is not often the reality in the UK.  As BoJo said, it is the success of capitalism and greed.  Capitalism I accept but greed I despise as I do lying.  Both adjectives that apply to the current government.As for Grenfell and other buildings with cladding, developers (plus Councils and the government for that matter) have committed a criminal offence as they knowingly installed fire prone cladding - because it was cheap and they got a slice of the profits.  Really disgusting!

Ivonne Holliday ● 1834d

Paul I'm sure if people could afford to but freehold they would, but with high rents and high freehold properties there is little choice. Also most properties that get built in London are leasehold.The problem is that people have an expectation of fair play, good regulation and good laws. Sadly this is often not the reality in the UK.I would suggest a more realistic expectation is taught in school and home.Much of the issues do stem from "ancient history" with the right to buy Thatcher era with successive government since not addressing the issues caused since.I do agree with the feudal comment.

Ed Robinson ● 1834d

If you want to live in a flat which many people do as house ownership is even more expensive there is no option other than leasehold or if you are lucky share of freehold. It is an abomination for sure.

Lucille Grant ● 1834d

I never understand why anyone would ever buy a leasehold. It's feudal. Look at this lot, trying to pass the buck to the developers or the governnment, when if they had given it a thought they would have opted for freehold. They bought on the cheap & when it all goes wrong everyone else is to blame.

Paul Rolink ● 1834d

Well said, Sue.

Jane Carter ● 1834d

Sue. I think some of us did try and warn you ...

Michael Ixer ● 1834d

Disgusting!  However the Govt has given untold billions to Cabinet cronies for failed Covid procurement and projects.  I am going right off this bloody Government! 🤬

Sue Hammond ● 1834d

I agree with the comments about the Leasehold system.

Martine Guy ● 1835d

I agree Michael, the leasehold system is an anathema to common sense!!! 

Ivonne Holliday ● 1835d

As the Conservative Prime Minister, Edward Heath might say: "the unpleasant and unacceptable face of capitalism"; the developers and others in the supply chain who were responsible for using or producing substandard materials should pay. Of course, various governments haven't helped by tinkering with building regulations. Perhaps it's also time for the English leasehold system to move on from feudal times? 

Michael Ixer ● 1835d

It should be the developers who pay.  It isn’t just the financial cost, it is just awful the mental anguish residents are suffering

Martine Guy ● 1835d

Oh, I hope it goes back to the Lords.I find it difficult to understand why anybody would say the responsibility for illegal cladding lies on the residents.  Are there, by any chance, building rules and regulations that developers should follow?Perhaps I am mistaken.

Ivonne Holliday ● 1835d

Not really a surprise. Too many supporters and donors in the property and construction businesses? Still, presumably it goes back to the Lords again now?

Michael Ixer ● 1835d