Good news for the Leasehold Advisory Service. Despite rumours it would be part of the bonfire of quangos, its funding has now been agreed until 2013. There have been fears that LEASE would fall victim to the coalition government’s clampdown on bodies that are funded by the government but not run by it. However, the service now appears to have saved – at least for the foreseeable future.
According to chief executive Anthony Essien, funding has been placed on a “firm basis” by the Department for Commmunities and Local Government (DCLG) for 2011 and 2012. After that LEASE will have to re-apply. However, Anthony remains optimistic that the advice service will continue to receive government backing “because we have a good case”. He adds: “All we can do is try and assist [leaseholders]. It is up to government to make the right decisions”.
The Leasehold Advisory Service offers free advice on issues relating to leasehold property. The LEASE website also provides a source of useful information including comprehensive FAQs, training course and webinars as well as a lease extension calculator and listings of professional firms working in the leasehold sector. For more information go to www.lease-advice.org