LUKE Murphy MP has joined calls for management companies charging 'extortionate fees' to leaseholders in Basingstoke to be held accountable. 

The Labour Member of Parliament has formed a campaign group with 33 other MPs calling for the managing director of FirstPort, Martin King, to challenge 'the standards of service' being delivered.

The property management company, which leases a number of buildings in Basingstoke town centre, as well as other areas in the borough, has received 'consistent complaints' from leaseholders, says the group.

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Mr Murphy told the Gazette: "For far too long, leaseholders have faced extortionate fees and subpar service, with managing agents failing to provide the quality and transparency that residents deserve.

"Together, we are demanding action to address these issues and working towards meaningful reform to protect leaseholders across the country."

The letter calls for Mr King to meet the group of MPs in Parliament to 'establish a channel' for members to raise 'specific cases with FirstPort to get action' as well as share 'grave concerns' for 'rip-off' management fees.

In addition to meeting with the managing director, the MP says he is advocating for broader reform for the 'struggling leasehold system', asking PM Keir Starmer what his plans are during PMQs.

Mr Murphy added: "The government’s commitment to ending the broken leasehold system is a vital step forward.

"This campaign group will ensure that, in the meantime, we hold managing agents and freeholders to account and push for a system that delivers fairness, transparency, and security for leaseholders."