MIKE Amesbury has welcomed the findings of a highly critical report he called for into the controversial practice of leaseholding, calling it ‘an important step on the road to justice’ for those affected.

While on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee (HCLG) before becoming a shadow minister, the Weaver Vale MP had called for an investigation into leaseholding, where people are sold their homes but not the land they're built on – often resulting in exorbitant ground rents leaving them unable to sell their properties or even make basic changes to their homes.

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The investigation saw hours of testimony and an ‘unprecedented’ number of public submissions.

In a report, the committee said developers and agents had been treating homeowners as a ‘source of profit’ and called for a complete overhaul of the system.

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It added developers should be banned from offering buyers deals to use their recommended solicitors.

The HCLG has also called for the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate misselling claims and make suggestions regarding compensation to those affected.

Mike has been a staunch opponent of leaseholding, raising the issue in Parliament including at PMQs, and hosting meetings for concerned residents in Weaver Vale, including in Winnington with shadow housing minister John Healey.

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Mike said: “I welcome the findings of the HCLG. This has been consistently one of the biggest issues raised with me by constituents.

"This is an important step on the road to justice for those impacted and I urge the government to take these findings on board and finally take action to stop this grossly unfair practice.”