RETIREMENT DEVELOPMENT SERVICE CHARGES

That this House notes with concern the report published by Age UK on 4 October 2010 regarding private retirement developments; further notes that too many older people are facing ever-increasing service charge bills, leading to anxiety and a risk to financial security; is concerned by the high fees levied on residents who wish to sell or rent their property; and calls on the Government to simplify the procedure by which leaseholders can challenge their unfair leasehold terms and to review and regulate the private retirement sector to bring an end to all unscrupulous companies.