Top Tory accused of greed over excessive leaseholder fees
A former Treasurer of the Conservative Party has been accused of greed after leaseholders in a development he owns were charged 67% commission on their buildings insurance.
Over the past decade a company owned by Lord Leigh of Hurley and his family has received fees totalling thousands of pounds from residents of the site in Harrow, north London.
One frustrated leaseholder complained to the property tribunal, which has ruled that the commission was “excessive” and has capped the charges at a lower level.
A former Treasurer of the Conservative Party has been accused of greed after leaseholders in a development he owns were charged 67% commission on their buildings insurance.
Over the past decade a company owned by Lord Leigh of Hurley and his family has received fees totalling thousands of pounds from residents of the site in Harrow, north London.
One frustrated leaseholder complained to the property tribunal, which has ruled that the commission was “excessive” and has capped the charges at a lower level.
Neil Solanki, who brought the case, said: “It’s so hypocritical. The government has been looking into leasehold reform and how the public has been mistreated, so it’s very upsetting that a prominent politician is making money out of a situation where the unfortunate leaseholder has no control. It’s just greed.”
Leigh, who was treasurer of the Conservative Party for five years between 2000 and 2005, controls the freehold of the site with his brother, Trevor Leigh, through their company, Dependable Investments Ltd. He also jointly owns the managing agent of the site, a company called Dennis Reed Ltd.
Leigh and his brother said there was no malpractice and that the commission was justified because there was no management charge levied on the development.
The Times (£)
