The Queen’s Speech today has confirmed that the Government will introduce commonhold and reform leasehold, but made no mention of the controversial seller’s packs.
Speaking in the House of Lords today at the official opening of Parliament, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II outlined the Government’s main priorities for the forthcoming session.
Commonhold and leasehold reform was the only property related policy to feature in the speech, which was focused on the economy and public service reform. The speech stated: “Legislation will be introduced to reform the system of land registration to promote greater electronic conveyancing. The Bill to reform the purchase of freeholds by leaseholders and to create commonhold, a new form of tenure for flat owners, will be reintroduced.”
But no reference was made to the Homes Bill, which was narrowly defeated at its third reading last session.
Michael Chambers, head of policy at the RICS said: “We are deeply disappointed that a Bill that ran out of time in the last parliament has not been re-introduced in the new programme of legislation. This calls into question the Government’s commitment to change in the house-buying process.”
The legislation, which would have implemented the seller’s packs by 2003, was a personal priority of the former Planning Minister Nick Raynsford. After Raynsford was replaced by Lord Falconer it was feared that the seller’s pack legislation would be dropped.
Chambers commented that the failure of the Government to re-introduce the seller’s packs legislation was a huge set-back. “The delay introduces a real element of uncertainty within those sections of the property sector that were preparing for the original start date of 2003. The hard work already done in this area will have to be put on hold until the Government’s intentions become clearer.”
References: EGi News 20/06/01
