Will the Cabinet Secretary outline what discussions the Welsh Government has had with the UK Government about leasehold reform?
The Welsh Government is committed to improving issues relating to leasehold and freehold. We have been clear that working together with the UK Government is the best way to reduce complexity, maximise the clarity and coherence of the law and ensure the new fairer reformed system applies to all.
The Welsh Government has worked with the UK Government on the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 and the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. Both Acts apply to England and Wales and bring substantial improvements to the law and significant new rights for homeowners here. The then Cabinet Secretary released a written statement following the passage of the 2024 Act, which can be found at this link: Written Statement: Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act and the Renters (Reform) Bill (6 June 2024) | GOV.WALES.
My officials are working closely with their counterparts in the UK Government to plan for the implementation of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. The UK Government has indicated an intention to bring forward further reforms to the leasehold system, and I look forward to working together on the draft Bill announced in the King’s Speech.