Speaking in the House of Commons, Emily asked the new leader of the House of Commons, Harriet Harman MP, about the issue of leaseholder major work charges. Emily also welcomed Harriet Harman to her new post in the Cabinet.
Emily said:
"May I add my voice to the welcome that we want to give to my right hon. and learned Friend in her new post-it is great to see her there. May we have a debate on the Floor of the House on the important subject of the plight of leaseholders with social landlords when major works are initiated? The Government's policy of ensuring that the decent homes standard is met in all our affordable housing is fully supported, given its importance, but it means that those who have bought their council flats are facing huge bills."
In response, Harriet Harman said:
"I am well aware of my hon. Friend's constituency work on the plight of leaseholders, who, as such, rather than as tenants, did not realise that when their flats were improved-as a result of the investment made by this Labour Government-they would have to pay capital charges; many of them were wholly unprepared for that. She has worked with me in my capacity as a constituency MP to try to ensure that the Government do all they can to ensure fairness for leaseholders, and she will know that under the new Prime Minister, the Government are focusing increasingly on the issues facing those in affordable housing, including the lack of it."
