MSs call for action on 'fleecehold' scandal in memory of MS Hefin

SENEDD members have called for meaningful reform of the “Wild West” of estate management charges in memory of Labour politician Hefin David, who championed the cause.

- CHRIS HAINES ICNN Senedd reporter

Carolyn Thomas led a debate in the Senedd on a petition calling for the Welsh Government to commit to adopting the maintenance of new housing estates by councils.

The petitions committee chair paid tribute to her Labour colleague Hefin David, who was instrumental in highlighting the issue in the Welsh Parliament for nearly a decade.

Dr David, who died suddenly last month, had pressed the Welsh and UK governments to protect leaseholders against “huge annual fees” charged by estate management companies.

In June, he warned that people living on the Cwm Calon estate in Ystrad Mynach had just had their third increase in as many years.

Senedd members from across the political divide paid tribute to Dr David for his tireless campaigning on the issue during a debate.

Ms Thomas recalled the committee's visit to the estate, organised by the late Caerphilly Senedd member to highlight homeowners' understandable frustrations.

She said: "It is fitting that work continues to pursue the regulatory changes that Hefin called for with such passion and energy on behalf of his constituents."