Good start for leaseholders rights Bill - Hughes

5.00.00pm GMT Fri 22nd Feb 2008

Simon Hughes this afternoon welcomed the broad support across parties for his private members' leasehold reform Bill which started its second reading debate today. In the forty-one minutes remaining after earlier business was completed, Mr Hughes introduced his Bill, received support for its progress from the Conservative frontbench, and supportive contributions from colleagues in all three main political parties. Sadly time ran out so that the second reading debate could not be concluded today. The Bill will come back to the House of Commons on Friday June 13th.

Simon Hughes said:

''This was a good start for a very important Bill which will improve the lot of tens of thousands of leaseholders. I am grateful for the support already received. I have agreed to have discussions with colleagues to try to get agreement on the way forward before the Bill comes back on June 13th.

''In the meantime, I shall be putting amendments to the Housing and Regeneration Bill on leaseholder issues when this government Bill comes back to the Commons in a few weeks time. One way or another I am sure that we can make progress for leaseholders in the near future if the government is willing to play ball''.