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Implications for Firstport of Leasehold Reform.
At present the planned reforms leave existing leaseholders swinging in the wind which is very disappointing.
That said given the reforms that are coming in will be the straw that broke the camel's back. Banning leasehold for new builds but keeping them long term for existing developments is simply not sustainable.
It will change after a compensation package based on the money freeholders invested rather than future profits is worked out. The Scottish system worked very well for leaseholders.
If Commonhold is the new form of tenure, residents will have the automatic right to appoint a managing agent of their choice? That choice is unlikely to be Firstport!
Even were a developer foolish enough to appoint Firstport, it would only be for a very short period of time.
At a time when Firstport are being forced to buy up market share the lack of new development contracts will hit them hard, especially given the number of developments they are already losing.
That right to manage actions are being made cheaper and easier to undertake is causing serious concerns at Firstport Towers.
That said given the reforms that are coming in will be the straw that broke the camel's back. Banning leasehold for new builds but keeping them long term for existing developments is simply not sustainable.
It will change after a compensation package based on the money freeholders invested rather than future profits is worked out. The Scottish system worked very well for leaseholders.
If Commonhold is the new form of tenure, residents will have the automatic right to appoint a managing agent of their choice? That choice is unlikely to be Firstport!
Even were a developer foolish enough to appoint Firstport, it would only be for a very short period of time.
At a time when Firstport are being forced to buy up market share the lack of new development contracts will hit them hard, especially given the number of developments they are already losing.
That right to manage actions are being made cheaper and easier to undertake is causing serious concerns at Firstport Towers.
Posted by The Editor on 05 March 2025
Editor,
The Government should only compensate Freeholders for their initial investment. Future profit claims by Freeholders are irrelevant when determining fair compensation.
Ground rent is paid for nothing and is a feudal relic that should have been abolished long ago.
The Government should only compensate Freeholders for their initial investment. Future profit claims by Freeholders are irrelevant when determining fair compensation.
Ground rent is paid for nothing and is a feudal relic that should have been abolished long ago.
Posted by Stephen Burns on 05 March 2025
Agreed compensation should be based on the level of investment and not on future income streams. This is what happened in Scotland. Most residents paid between £5,000-£10,000 for their freehold. Crucially the freeholders had to offer long term payment plans that were interest free to purchase the freehold.
In some instances leaseholders chose not to purchase the freehold and wished to carry on as leaseholders. Any forthcoming legislation should allow for this as well.
After all, a development with cladding or other safety issues is not worth owning and better left with the current freeholder. There could also be a case for some retirement developments to remain on a leasehold basis on the proviso that that the leaseholders are able to appoint a managing agent of their choice and that the lease is extended putting ground rent at zero.
In some instances leaseholders chose not to purchase the freehold and wished to carry on as leaseholders. Any forthcoming legislation should allow for this as well.
After all, a development with cladding or other safety issues is not worth owning and better left with the current freeholder. There could also be a case for some retirement developments to remain on a leasehold basis on the proviso that that the leaseholders are able to appoint a managing agent of their choice and that the lease is extended putting ground rent at zero.
Posted by The Editor on 06 March 2025
Hi Stephen,
You say GR is a “ feudal relic”…Wrong!
You clearly didn’t get the memo… “ LKP trustee Katie Kendrick ergo LKP are saying leasehold is “ uncivilised “ ergo GR is uncivilised and not ‘ feudal”…
It’s interesting that LKP politicians use the word feudal to describe leasehold but representatives of freeholders whine and say that the word feudal Is “ unhelpful”…. Who’s side is LKP on? It hasn’t even published an article about the banning of leasehold flats on its site. LKP was quick to write a lengthy inaccurate account of the RTM at Chelsea Bridge Wharf whilst praising accredited LKP management agency URANG ( see Trustpilot reviews) for getting the gig.Nowt about the banning of leasehold. Whose side is LKP on?
You say GR is a “ feudal relic”…Wrong!
You clearly didn’t get the memo… “ LKP trustee Katie Kendrick ergo LKP are saying leasehold is “ uncivilised “ ergo GR is uncivilised and not ‘ feudal”…
It’s interesting that LKP politicians use the word feudal to describe leasehold but representatives of freeholders whine and say that the word feudal Is “ unhelpful”…. Who’s side is LKP on? It hasn’t even published an article about the banning of leasehold flats on its site. LKP was quick to write a lengthy inaccurate account of the RTM at Chelsea Bridge Wharf whilst praising accredited LKP management agency URANG ( see Trustpilot reviews) for getting the gig.Nowt about the banning of leasehold. Whose side is LKP on?
Posted by Kim on 06 March 2025
Re my previous comment " uncivilised"v Feudal. I meant "Politicians" and not " LKP politicians". A Freudian slip but kinda the wrong way around....Geddit? If LKP does not write an article on the banning of future leaseholds then leaseholders had better ask themselves who's side LKP is on? The leaseholders or the Freeholders and LKP accredited agents ?
Posted by Kim on 06 March 2025
Hi Kim,
Thank you for your satirical reply; I found it very good. If I'm "wrong", perhaps I should consider being "politically re-educated" to believe that Freehold is beneficial and provides a utopian existence for happy Leaseholders. After brief consideration, I will still refer to ground rent as a medieval feudal relic that should have been abolished long ago.
Thank you for your satirical reply; I found it very good. If I'm "wrong", perhaps I should consider being "politically re-educated" to believe that Freehold is beneficial and provides a utopian existence for happy Leaseholders. After brief consideration, I will still refer to ground rent as a medieval feudal relic that should have been abolished long ago.
Posted by Stephen Burns on 06 March 2025
Somewhere way back in the midst of time in England those that supported William the Conqueror or subsequently any future King would be given land as a reward.
If a "peasant" wished to farm on that land he would have to pay a fee to the landowner for occupying the land he was farming. Paying such a fee also served to acknowledge the ownership of the land.
And is from the original word for a "fee" we get the word "Feudal"
I hope this explanation was civilised enough for NLC to understand!
If a "peasant" wished to farm on that land he would have to pay a fee to the landowner for occupying the land he was farming. Paying such a fee also served to acknowledge the ownership of the land.
And is from the original word for a "fee" we get the word "Feudal"
I hope this explanation was civilised enough for NLC to understand!
Posted by Michael Epstein on 07 March 2025
“ Leaeehold flats to banned in overhaul,of centuries -old system”
Dear Mr Editor,
I am sure your lovely readers heard the news on Monday that Leasehold is to be banned . About time wouldn’t you say?
The dynamic Harry Scoffin was interviewed on Andrew Marr’s LBC programme and was fabulous. He made clear why the leasehold system should rightly be abolished and is a wonderful advocate for leaseholders.
On the hand, LKP,trustee Kate Kendrick was interviewed on the Shelagh Fogarty LBC programme.
Her contribution was to say that leasehold is “ uncivilised “…she didn’t mention the word ‘ FEUDAL” which used to be the buzzword of NLC when it started out..Funny that.
I say this to the LKP trustee Katie Kendrick. “ UNCIVILISED “,is saying serviette instead of napkin. Drinking from a finger bowl. Saying tea instead of supper .That kind of stuff which doesn’t really harm anybody. Leasehold ruins lives and drives people to suicide. The NLC was recently banging on about the correlation between the leasehold system and mental issues. I do not the think the word “ CIVILISED” is an appropriate adjective to describe the a feudal system that makes lives a misery for millions of people and that drives people to suicide. Very poor show by an LKP trustee. Btw, now about the banning of leasehold on the LKP blog…Maybe LKP is disappointed that it will soon be redundant Good Riddance!
I am sure your lovely readers heard the news on Monday that Leasehold is to be banned . About time wouldn’t you say?
The dynamic Harry Scoffin was interviewed on Andrew Marr’s LBC programme and was fabulous. He made clear why the leasehold system should rightly be abolished and is a wonderful advocate for leaseholders.
On the hand, LKP,trustee Kate Kendrick was interviewed on the Shelagh Fogarty LBC programme.
Her contribution was to say that leasehold is “ uncivilised “…she didn’t mention the word ‘ FEUDAL” which used to be the buzzword of NLC when it started out..Funny that.
I say this to the LKP trustee Katie Kendrick. “ UNCIVILISED “,is saying serviette instead of napkin. Drinking from a finger bowl. Saying tea instead of supper .That kind of stuff which doesn’t really harm anybody. Leasehold ruins lives and drives people to suicide. The NLC was recently banging on about the correlation between the leasehold system and mental issues. I do not the think the word “ CIVILISED” is an appropriate adjective to describe the a feudal system that makes lives a misery for millions of people and that drives people to suicide. Very poor show by an LKP trustee. Btw, now about the banning of leasehold on the LKP blog…Maybe LKP is disappointed that it will soon be redundant Good Riddance!
Posted by Kim on 05 March 2025
Compared to Harry Scoffin, Katie Kendrick is completely out of her depth presenting the leaseholder's case.
As well meaning as she may be, she has proved unable to present a credible case for the abolishment of leasehold as it is in my view beyond her abilities so to do.
Anyone that has met her or seen her television appearances knows that when she gets stuck she reverts to the case of her
leasehold home and the cost to enfranchise. Those that know her will know that the articles published in her name cannot possibly have been written by her. But for the issues with her home she would never have got involved with the campaign to end leasehold and rid ourselves of corrupt property managers. Many was the time that those campaigning had to remind NLC that the campaign was not solely about leasehold houses. When this campaign is (won and it will be won) yes NLC and Katie Kendrick will have played their part but other campaigners from the dim and distance past are worthy of praise.
As well meaning as she may be, she has proved unable to present a credible case for the abolishment of leasehold as it is in my view beyond her abilities so to do.
Anyone that has met her or seen her television appearances knows that when she gets stuck she reverts to the case of her
leasehold home and the cost to enfranchise. Those that know her will know that the articles published in her name cannot possibly have been written by her. But for the issues with her home she would never have got involved with the campaign to end leasehold and rid ourselves of corrupt property managers. Many was the time that those campaigning had to remind NLC that the campaign was not solely about leasehold houses. When this campaign is (won and it will be won) yes NLC and Katie Kendrick will have played their part but other campaigners from the dim and distance past are worthy of praise.
Posted by The Editor on 05 March 2025
Dear Mr Editor,
Harry Scoffin is the leaseholders Ferrari across the media. LKP trustee Katie Kendrick is the Ford Cortina with 2 tyres missing in the my view.
Btw, I used to write many of the letters to government ministers on behalf of the NLC so I agree that articles published in her name are not credible….
Harry Scoffin is the leaseholders Ferrari across the media. LKP trustee Katie Kendrick is the Ford Cortina with 2 tyres missing in the my view.
Btw, I used to write many of the letters to government ministers on behalf of the NLC so I agree that articles published in her name are not credible….
Posted by Kim on 05 March 2025
Disagree! Harry Scoffin is more of a Lexus in that he can be relied on to finish leasehold.
Nothing wrong with Cortina, though basic they did the job!
A better analogy might be an Austin Allegro with a spare tyre.
You can be sure any article that is well and professionally written will not be Katie Kendrick's handiwork.
Perhaps a journalist writing on her behalf?
Nothing wrong with Cortina, though basic they did the job!
A better analogy might be an Austin Allegro with a spare tyre.
You can be sure any article that is well and professionally written will not be Katie Kendrick's handiwork.
Perhaps a journalist writing on her behalf?
Posted by The Editor on 05 March 2025
I note the proposed leasehold reforms that will ban new build leaseholds does not as yet merit a mention on the LKP website.
Given LKP is the leaseholders charity one would have thought the news might appear on their site?
Given LKP is the leaseholders charity one would have thought the news might appear on their site?
Posted by Michael Epstein on 05 March 2025
Harry Scoffin is a dedicated and driven leader of the "Free Leaseholders" initiative. Last year, my wife and I had the privilege of spending several hours with him and contributing to one of his online video presentations, which garnered approximately 75,000 + views.
Harry possesses intelligence, charisma, and an exceptional ability to present logical, evidence-based arguments advocating for the abolition of Freehold, in my opinion.
Harry possesses intelligence, charisma, and an exceptional ability to present logical, evidence-based arguments advocating for the abolition of Freehold, in my opinion.
Posted by Stephen Burns on 06 March 2025
Harry Scoffin strikes me as someone who not only has a grasp on the issues that afflict leaseholders but has a unique ability to express those issues in a readily understandable way. When asked a question he can always comprehensively answer it. He is also a man with great integrity. Initially he was a great supporter of LKP/NLC. As some might well remember Kim and I started to question the conduct of LKP/NLC to some great opposition from fellow contributors to the site.
Rather than tamely follow the LKP/NLC line, Harry took his time, did his research and then quit LKP/NLC.
I for one give him my 100% support.
Rather than tamely follow the LKP/NLC line, Harry took his time, did his research and then quit LKP/NLC.
I for one give him my 100% support.
Posted by Michael Epstein on 07 March 2025
Re: Harry Scoffin.
I agree with you the. He’s a little bit terrific that guy!
Re: NLC.
It blocked a Chelsea Bridge Wharf resident when he posted a video of Harry Scoffin .
RE: LKP.
It at first refused to publish the true account account of the undemocratic unelected directors at .CBW written by Mike O’ Driscoll. It then “ allowed” his comment heavily redacted then immediately closed the comment section! Whose side is LKP really on?
RE: URANG.
The CEO of URANG is a director and major shareholder WESTBURY RESIDENTIAL LTD…….
1. Questionable accounts.
2.unlawfully amended leases.
3.Tenant allowed to breach their lease and “ gifted the eaves
4.£800 of interest earned on shareholders service charge pocketed by WR.
URANG are due to takeover management at CBW…
I will be talking WR to Tribunal later this year….
I agree with you the. He’s a little bit terrific that guy!
Re: NLC.
It blocked a Chelsea Bridge Wharf resident when he posted a video of Harry Scoffin .
RE: LKP.
It at first refused to publish the true account account of the undemocratic unelected directors at .CBW written by Mike O’ Driscoll. It then “ allowed” his comment heavily redacted then immediately closed the comment section! Whose side is LKP really on?
RE: URANG.
The CEO of URANG is a director and major shareholder WESTBURY RESIDENTIAL LTD…….
1. Questionable accounts.
2.unlawfully amended leases.
3.Tenant allowed to breach their lease and “ gifted the eaves
4.£800 of interest earned on shareholders service charge pocketed by WR.
URANG are due to takeover management at CBW…
I will be talking WR to Tribunal later this year….
Posted by Kim on 07 March 2025
LKP refer to Harry Scoffin as the "Former Intern!"
Posted by Michael Epstein on 07 March 2025
Kim refers to LKP as not for for purpose .
Kim’s asks LKP why it firstly prevented a Chelsea Bridge Wharf leaseholder from posting a comment on its blog,and then “allowed” a heavily redacted version to be posted before shutting of the comment section. Make of that what you will.
LKP “ bigs up” URANG. Whose CEO is a director and 90% shareholder of WESTBURY RESIDENTIAL LTD, a management firm which has overseen unlawful amendments to some of the leases to a block in which I am a shared freeholder…As a result the flats are unsaleable…I have credible evidence of utterly unprofessional conduct committed by WESTBURY RESIDENTIAL LTD. Is URANG fit to manage CHELSEA BRIDGE WHARF?
Kim’s asks LKP why it firstly prevented a Chelsea Bridge Wharf leaseholder from posting a comment on its blog,and then “allowed” a heavily redacted version to be posted before shutting of the comment section. Make of that what you will.
LKP “ bigs up” URANG. Whose CEO is a director and 90% shareholder of WESTBURY RESIDENTIAL LTD, a management firm which has overseen unlawful amendments to some of the leases to a block in which I am a shared freeholder…As a result the flats are unsaleable…I have credible evidence of utterly unprofessional conduct committed by WESTBURY RESIDENTIAL LTD. Is URANG fit to manage CHELSEA BRIDGE WHARF?
Posted by Kim on 07 March 2025
CHELSEA BRIDGE WHARF / RTM
Dear Mr Editor,
Please allow me to give you and your ardent followers an update on the RTM situation at CBW.
I have been informed that the unelected directors of CBW have now agreed to hold elections.. I hear that LKP “ recommended “ that elections be held ….an interesting choice of word by LKP- “ recommended “…? In the western world democracy and fair elections are human rights.LKP should have said this
“ Listen up you unelected directors of CBW. You will either step down, allow full and fair elections to be held, circulate URANG contract to the leaseholders, otherwise LKP will advise the URANG to withdraw the contract and for it not to manage CBW”…..
The annual service charge at CBW is 6 million quid.Wonder how much URANG management fee would be? 10%? That would be £600,000.
Please allow me to give you and your ardent followers an update on the RTM situation at CBW.
I have been informed that the unelected directors of CBW have now agreed to hold elections.. I hear that LKP “ recommended “ that elections be held ….an interesting choice of word by LKP- “ recommended “…? In the western world democracy and fair elections are human rights.LKP should have said this
“ Listen up you unelected directors of CBW. You will either step down, allow full and fair elections to be held, circulate URANG contract to the leaseholders, otherwise LKP will advise the URANG to withdraw the contract and for it not to manage CBW”…..
The annual service charge at CBW is 6 million quid.Wonder how much URANG management fee would be? 10%? That would be £600,000.
Posted by Kim on 03 March 2025
So effectively the chair of the "Independent" Leasehold Advisory Service is interfering with a managing agent and leaseholders. How can that be right?
Posted by Michael Epstein on 03 March 2025
Michael E,
“ How can that be right” ? It can't be right! Martin Boyd is chair of both LKP and LAS. He is paid by the taxpayer for his chairmanship at LAS. LKP is poking its nose in at CBW and I was informed they “ recommended “ that free and fair elections were carried out.,….. Hmmm. Would Boyd in his position at LAS “ recommend “ that MA/ Freeholders act honestly?
URANG CONTRACT.
I have advised CBW it is imperative the leaseholders receive a copy of the contract. There could be a clause that say# URANG cannot be booted out for 5 years….even if it is rubbish! Read the Trustpilot reviews. Perhaps LKP will recommend to its accredited MA to provide CBW tenants with the contract.
I feel rather uneasy about this and am doing my utmost as an activist to give help and support to CBW!
“ How can that be right” ? It can't be right! Martin Boyd is chair of both LKP and LAS. He is paid by the taxpayer for his chairmanship at LAS. LKP is poking its nose in at CBW and I was informed they “ recommended “ that free and fair elections were carried out.,….. Hmmm. Would Boyd in his position at LAS “ recommend “ that MA/ Freeholders act honestly?
URANG CONTRACT.
I have advised CBW it is imperative the leaseholders receive a copy of the contract. There could be a clause that say# URANG cannot be booted out for 5 years….even if it is rubbish! Read the Trustpilot reviews. Perhaps LKP will recommend to its accredited MA to provide CBW tenants with the contract.
I feel rather uneasy about this and am doing my utmost as an activist to give help and support to CBW!
Posted by Kim on 04 March 2025
Hi Kim,
I agree. The Shareholders have a right to see all Company documents and to scrutinize the details and to request copies in my view.
I agree. The Shareholders have a right to see all Company documents and to scrutinize the details and to request copies in my view.
Posted by Stephen Burns on 04 March 2025
A Disaster Playing Monopoly
I was doing so well. I had plenty of cash, a racing car, won a beauty contest via the community chest and had successfully invested in the utilities and stations.
Then I threw a 5 and 3 and landed on Pentonville Rd with a property on it. No problem me thinks, a little money out of my substantial cash pile?
But then with horror I discovered that the property on Pentonville Rd was managed by Firstport. The cost was so great I went bankrupt!
Then I threw a 5 and 3 and landed on Pentonville Rd with a property on it. No problem me thinks, a little money out of my substantial cash pile?
But then with horror I discovered that the property on Pentonville Rd was managed by Firstport. The cost was so great I went bankrupt!
Posted by Michael Epstein on 02 March 2025
Michael E
Very funny , but good it isn’t true
Very funny , but good it isn’t true
Posted by RUTH on 02 March 2025
Michael,
From your description that property has the stench of shared equity, leasehold and a possible mortgage thrown in for good measure. Am I warm or cold on this wild guess?
It is reported that lenders have become increasingly nervous about advancing mortgage offers with regard to the above? What is your advice and guidance?
From your description that property has the stench of shared equity, leasehold and a possible mortgage thrown in for good measure. Am I warm or cold on this wild guess?
It is reported that lenders have become increasingly nervous about advancing mortgage offers with regard to the above? What is your advice and guidance?
Posted by Stephen Burns on 02 March 2025
Well spotted Ruth, it wasn't true I actually had the top hat not the racing car!
Posted by Michael Epstein on 03 March 2025
Actually Michael, what I meant was that in reality fortunately it didn't happen.I cannot remember when I last played Monopoly , probably 60 years ago
Posted by RUTH on 03 March 2025
There have been some 16460 posts and replies on this page. To view older ones search here.
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And a good job they made of it as well!
It it came to be that many pigs were successfully reared in an area that became known as "The Swine on the Hill or the Swine on the Down"
Swindon was born!
Many years later another type of swine or pig came to infest Swindon. This time the swine or pig could have been termed Peverel is Gross! This pig was famed for telling porkies on everything from work needed at developments or development accounts.
However this swine or pig was up against the "Brave and Strong" in the form of residents at Goddard Court. The word Goddard means Brave and Strong.
They stood up to Peverel/ Firstport and fought for their right to rid themselves of the disreputable Firstport.
And they succeeded. They are now free of Firstport and all their rip offs!
Select Retirement Services has been awarded yet another contract to manage a former Firstport managed development.
This follows on from Select gaining the contract to manage at nearby Henrietta Court.
The residents at Goddard Court are very grateful to the residents at Henrietta Court for showing them that no one neds to be stuck with the crooked Firstport.
This