Ground Rent Reform and Human Rights: Douglas Maxwell gives evidence to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee

Douglas Maxwell was invited to give evidence to the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill by the MHCLG Select Committee on 10 March 2026.

Douglas appeared alongside Philip Rainey KC and Mari Knowles.  Others invited to give evidence to the Select Committee included Lord Michael Gove, Angela Rayner MP, Lord Richard Best and Philip Freedman CBE KC.

The far-reaching Draft Bill includes provisions proposing that the government intends to introduce a legislative cap on ground rents of £250 a year, changing to a peppercorn after 40 years.  The accompanying Policy Statement estimates that if enacted, this will result in a transfer of £10.0bn-£12.7bn.

Douglas responded to questions from MPs concerning the compatibility of the reforms with the right to the peaceful enjoyment of possessions under Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 (“A1P1”) to the European Convention on Human Rights.

For more information on the Select Committee, see www.parliament.uk.

If you would like to discuss the Draft Bill or matters concerning A1P1, please contact clerks@hendersonchambers.co.uk.

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