Salisbury MP calls for residential estate management reform
John Glen wants management companies to be more accountable
Salisbury's MP has written to the housing minister over serious concerns he has about the practices of residential estate management companies.
John Glen says Government estimates suggest around 1.75 million homes are in England are on private estates, but that developers are setting up management companies that lack clarity in who controls them.
Speaking during an MPs debate in Westminster Hall, Mr Glen said it leaves residents with a "real challenge" in identifying who is accountable for the decisions being made.
In a post on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, he said: "Residents in Salisbury and across the UK have reported significant increases in service charges—some exceeding mortgage payments—without clear explanations of how funds are being allocated.
"Worryingly, many developers are setting up residential management companies but without clarity over who controls them or how decisions are made. This lack of transparency leaves homeowners powerless, paying into systems they have no say in."
In a letter to the Housing Minister, Mr Glen is calling for "urgent action", saying the Government needs to set out a clear timeline for changes to be made.
He added: "ensuring service charges are reasonable, transparent, and open to challenge. I also questioned him today, seeking reassurance that any measures announced by the government will seek redress for those already living in such estates."
He's also asked for legislation to be introduced for residents to take control of their properties more easily, should they wish to do so.
" Many of my constituents want to manage their own shared spaces, and they should be given every opportunity to do so. A fairer, more accountable housing system depends on it."