Penrith and The Border MP, Dr Neil Hudson, recently spoke in support of the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill during the Public Bill Committee stage. As a member of the Committee Dr Hudson is directly involved in the scrutiny of the legislation.
The provisions of the Bill, once in force, will restrict ground rents on newly created long residential leases (with some exceptions) to effectively reduce ground rents to zero financial value. Ground Rent is rent paid under the terms of a lease by the owner of a building to the owner of the land on which it is built. The stated intention of the Bill is to make leasehold ownership fairer and more affordable for leaseholders.
Alongside supporting the campaign to make it easier for those in rented accommodation to have pets, Dr Hudson wanted to make the point that leaseholders also have restrictions placed on them when it comes to pet ownership.
In response to Dr Hudson’s point on rights for leaseholders to keep pets Eddie Hughes, Minister for Housing, said:
“Given the importance that many people place on [pet] ownership and his expert experience as a vet, I look forward to discussing this topic with him as we look at future legislation next year.”
Dr Neil Hudson said:
“I was pleased yesterday to be able to speak in support of this important Bill which will set future ground rents to zero, providing fairness and transparency for future leaseholders.
The Bill is narrowly focused on reducing ground rents for leaseholders but a debate also needs to be had on expanding the rights of leaseholders too. For example, in many cases the leaseholder currently must apply to the freeholder for permission to do things to the property. This can include keeping a pet in their building. As a veterinary surgeon I am fully aware of the physical and mental health benefits to people and animals of responsible pet ownership. I was pleased that the Minister was receptive to discussing this in future legislation that will be coming down the track in 2022. It is important to marry this with improvements for the rights of renters to have pets also.
It is vital that the homes people own should be theirs to live in and enjoy, not designed as a handy income stream for others."
