Leaseholders at Wynyard Mews, Brierton, had shared issues with the town’s MP Jonathan Brash over the “absolute nightmare” conditions at their flats and concerns with their estate management firm Praxis Block Management.
Mr Brash raised the issues in the House of Commons and called for wider changes to be brought in to prevent such situations occurring.
The MP told The House: “Constituents in Wynyard Mews in Hartlepool are being ridden roughshod over by their estate management company Praxis. Time and again, members of this house hear the same stories of excessive and unjustified charges, poor standards of service, a complete lack of accountability and residents left feeling trapped in their own homes, with nowhere to turn and no chance of selling.”
He also argued powers exist to tackle the issue but “many of the relevant provisions have still not been brought into force” and called for a timetable for implementation to be established and a debate to be held.
The leader of the House of Commons, Sir Alan Campbell MP, acknowledged that consultation on the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 concluded in September, with a Government response expected in due course.
He stated: “It is important that we get this right, because these things can have a huge impact on people’s lives.”
Praxis has been approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service for comment following Mr Brash’s remarks.
The company previously indicated that residents had informed them that issues existed prior to its acquisition of the properties in 2024.
It added: “We aim to complete all the works concerning the leaseholders in line with the lease provisions and relevant legislation.”
Author: Ian
Reporter and author of Pop Life, covering all things news, music and local events.