Politicians across Wokingham have united to tackle high estate management fees — often called ‘Fleecehold’ — and to give better rights to people living on privately managed estates.
The 2024 law, The leasehold and Freehold Reform Act, was meant to stop homeowners losing their homes over estate management charge arrears and to simplify rights for residents. But key parts were stripped out during the last government’s ‘wash‑up’, so the law is not yet active and was later challenged by freeholders.
Estate management companies bill for things like grass cutting, lifts and shared areas — and sometimes add unexpected fees or duplicate services already provided by councils. If your street isn’t adopted by the council you often still pay the same council tax, but once a street is adopted many services are covered from council tax with no extra fees.
Early in 2025 powerful landowners asked for a judicial review of the Act. That challenge was dismissed in October 2025, clearing the way for reform to continue.
At Wokingham Council in January, Cllr Andrew Gray (Labour, Shinfield) warned about the local impact: "Across our borough, many residents living in new developments are facing growing financial pressures as a result of unfair private estate management arrangements. For many, these charges are rising year on year, services feel unaccountable, and residents are effectively paying twice for things that most people receive through their council tax."
He added: "At a national level, there is now recognition that this issue needs to be addressed." Mr Gray said the law gives councils a chance to push for adoption of shared spaces so residents aren’t stuck with private charges and delays caused by developers.
He told councillors: "The principle behind this motion is simple and clear: where amenities and infrastructure serve the public, they should, wherever possible, be publicly adopted." He also said: "Residents should not be penalised simply because of where they live, nor should they face the burden of paying twice for essential services."
Independent Cllr Alex Freeney (Loddon) pushed for mandatory adoption of all future estates and asked the council to run an awareness campaign with local MPs Clive Jones and Yuan Yang so homeowners can tell government what they think of the charges. Conservative leader Pauline Jorgensen helped draft a last‑minute amendment.
The amendment was accepted and the motion won unanimous support. The Labour government has launched a consultation on reducing private estate management and increasing public adoption, and ministers are expected to lay the Commencement Orders to switch the law on this summer once the consultation finishes.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
