Burnham told Labour conference that “the days of you being squeezed for every penny are coming to an end,” yet a little-noticed government consultation closing tonight threatens to gut key parts of the Tories’ Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. Which Labour backed…

The consultation sets the rates used to work out what leaseholders pay to extend their leases or buy their freeholds. Whatever ministers pick is set in stone for ten years…

In opposition, Matthew Pennycook, now housing minister, argued the Tory act did not go far enough and insisted ministers stick to the principle of “reducing premiums for leaseholders to their lowest possible level”. Now, buried in one paragraph of its consultation document, Labour says:

“… it is not intended to use prescribed rates in and of themselves, as a means of further reducing premiums for leaseholders.”

The row is over what are called capitalisation and deferment rates, which set prices. Leaseholder campaigners want both at 9% while freeholders are lobbying for lower rates, which The Times reports would leave leaseholders paying more. Pennycook has cited “technical flaws” as his reason to amend the Act’s enfranchisement rules, but stays silent on whether he will revive his own opposition amendments to make premiums “as cheap as possible for leaseholders.”

Pressed by Nick Ferrari on Labour watering down its manifesto pledge to “act where the Conservatives have failed and finally bring the feudal leasehold system to an end”, Rayner insisted yesterday it was still happening. She warned of a “highly litigious” process.