“A Victory” for local leaseholders, Shipley MP Welcomes Government Move to Cap Ground Rents at £250

Anna Dixon MP

Shipley MP Anna Dixon, has today welcomed the Government’s announcement that ground rents paid by leaseholders will be capped at £250 per year, describing the move as “a long‑overdue step towards fairness for thousands trapped in an unfair system.”  

Ms Dixon, who has been a strong advocate for leasehold reform in Parliament, said the cap would bring meaningful change for residents facing escalating and often unjustified charges.  

“For too long, leaseholders have been burdened with ever-increasing ground rents that offer no benefit in return,” the MP said. “I have raised this issue repeatedly in Parliament on behalf of my constituents who have felt powerless in the face of unfair contracts and uncommunicative management. Today’s announcement is a real victory for them.” 

Since being elected to Parliament in July 2024, Anna Dixon MP has strongly advocated for increased leaseholder rights. The MP has repeatedly highlighted the poor practices of FirstPort, the UK's largest leasehold property manager, particularly regarding its management of a retirement complex in Bingley.  

During a debate in October 2025, Ms Dixon emphasised the need for licensing and stricter regulation of managing agents, stating, “It is now time that we bring in licensing and stronger regulation of managing agents”. In January 2025, she was also part of a group of over 60 MPs who personally questioned Martin King, managing director of FirstPort, over the company's track record.  

“Having personally visited multiple leasehold properties across my constituency, I know that too often local residents have found themselves in an unfair system”, the MP stated. “Capping ground rents at £250 is a good start, and I can assure my constituents that I will keep pushing for further reform of the leasehold industry.” 

Anna Dixon MP added: “We must now ensure that the cap is enforced robustly. Leaseholders, like those at Aire Valley Court and Sutton Court in Bingley, deserve confidence that their housing costs will not spiral out of control. I will be working closely with ministers to ensure the transition is smooth and that residents understand their new rights.”  

Further leasehold reforms announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer today included proposals to ban the sale of new leasehold flats and give homeowners greater control over how their buildings are managed.