Local MPs welcome new regulator to tackle “cowboy” management companies and property agents in Milton Keynes

Chris Curtis (Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes North), Emily Darlington (Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes Central), and Callum Anderson (Member of Parliament for Buckingham and Bletchley) have today welcomed plans for a new regulator to tackle “cowboy” management companies and property agents. The new proposal, which was announced at Labour Party Conference, would allow for a regulator to propose a sector-wide code of practice, including the conduct required of employees, the service level that leaseholders could expect, and a clear complaints process for those unsatisfied with a property agent. In addition, property agents would be required to receive a license, which could be revoked if their performance was considered unacceptable. The legislation would also allow for a cap to be placed on fees charged to leaseholders. This follows on from already announced plans to “cap and scrap” ground rents, with the first stage of the process being a £250 cap that is expected to come into force in 2028. New leasehold flats will be banned under legislation currently progressing through Parliament.

Leaseholders across Milton Keynes have long raised concerns about the challenges faced in their communities, including on new-build estates and in blocks of flats across the city. All three city MPs have expressed their commitment to holding rogue property agents and management companies to account. In 2025, Chris Curtis MP launched a survey to gather feedback on management companies, which received almost 100 responses from constituents. Callum Anderson MP has also met with local residents affected by FirstPort's ‘fleecehold’ practices. Chris, Callum and Emily have all challenged senior leaders from management companies in Westminster.

"Whether it is young families moving to a new-build estate like Redhouse Park or older residents hoping to settle down in retirement villages like Pegasus Court in Olney, rogue management companies and property agents are causing problems regardless of who you are or where you live. I was elected on a manifesto to tackle this challenge, so I am incredibly pleased to see this step towards a new regulator with real teeth to challenge the cowboy firms who are taking advantage of the current set-up. I’ve hauled FirstPort executives to Parliament, and grilled them there too. I’ll continue to stick up for everybody in Milton Keynes North who has been let down by the leasehold regime as it stands”.

Chris Curtis, Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes North.