Committee publication · Correspondence · 26 February 2026

Letter from the Chair to Grosvenor Property dated 23 February 2026 concerning a further invitation to give oral evidence

From: Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

Inquiry: Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill

Summary

Chair Florence Eshalomi writes to Grosvenor Property's Chief Executive following his 17 February decline to provide oral evidence on the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. She expresses disappointment at the refusal, argues the inquiry is significant and will shape government policy, and urges Grosvenor to nominate an alternative representative by 25 February, given Grosvenor's status as one of England's largest freeholders.

Key findings

Grosvenor Property declined the Committee's invitation to give oral evidence on 3 March 2026 on the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, citing the Chief Executive's unavoidable international commitments.
The Chair asserts the Committee's pre-legislative scrutiny will directly feed into government policy and likely shape the final Bill, making oral evidence crucial.
The Committee seeks to ensure freeholders' and institutional investors' views are 'appropriately considered' in scrutiny, particularly regarding how Bill provisions may impact existing rights.
Grosvenor's written submission mentioned concerns about retrospective changes to legal contracts, which the Chair identifies as requiring deeper discussion.
The Chair requests confirmation by 25 February whether any other suitable Grosvenor representative can attend on 3 March.

Tone

Adversarial

Topics

housing-policyleasehold-reformparliamentary-scrutinyproperty-rights

Key actors

Florence Eshalomi MP, James Raynor, Grosvenor Property, Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

Notable line

“It is deeply disappointing that nobody from Grosvenor is available to give evidence to the Committee on 3 March.”

Key Quotes

“The Committee's pre -legislative scrutiny of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill will be a significant piece of work, the conclusions of which will feed directly into the Government's approach to this legislation …”
— Florence Eshalomi MP · explaining the importance of the inquiry

“… it is surprising that there is no other representative in your organisation that you feel is suitable to discuss the draft Bill with the Committee.”
— Florence Eshalomi MP · expressing concern at Grosvenor's refusal to nominate alternative witnesses

“Giving oral evidence to the Committee is Grosvenor's best opportunity to do this . It is disappointing that you are reluctant to do so.”
— Florence Eshalomi MP · emphasising the significance of oral evidence for representing freeholder interests

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Source · parliament.uk record ↗