A Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into the leasehold housing market found evidence of mis-selling and unfair contract terms in the sector. Its report confirmed the concerns raised by many leaseholders with regards to escalating ground rents, the high cost of buying the freehold and unreasonable fees.

The CMA said it is taking enforcement action in the sector and is developing advice for those who own, or are looking to buy, a leasehold property. In the meantime, the Leasehold Advisory Service provides free legal advice to leaseholders on the law affecting residential leasehold in England. More information is available at www.lease-advice.org.

As a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Leasehold and Commonhold Reform, Charlotte will continue to press the Government to legislate to end the sale of new private leasehold houses and flats, abolish unfair fees and conditions, make service charges more transparent, and give leaseholders the right to buy their freehold at a price they can afford.

Charlotte said:

"I support an end to the unfair and routine use of leasehold ownership for all new homes and I believe the Government should act immediately to help those leaseholders who have been misled about the property they have bought.

I know from the correspondence I have received that many leaseholders are reporting a whole range of problems, including high service charges and a lack of transparency over what they are being charged for; freeholders who block attempts by leaseholders to exercise the Right to Manage; and excessive costs associated with administrative charges and applications to extend agreements or enfranchise.

While Ministers have repeatedly promised action to tackle the abuses that leaseholders face, no new legislation has been introduced. I am concerned that action by the Government has been too slow, too weak and existing leaseholders have largely been overlooked. I support an end to the injustice of the current leasehold system."