Across Taunton and Wellington, families have spoken out about the unfair and at times exploitative system of leasehold and so-called “fleecehold” charges. People who have worked hard to buy their homes are finding themselves trapped by spiralling bills, hidden costs and management companies who simply don’t listen.

What the problem is

• Many local residents feel they are treated as second-class homeowners, paying thousands each year for poor or non-existent services.
• Service charges rise sharply with little explanation, while complaints take months – even years – to be addressed.
• Vulnerable people, including the elderly, have been pressured into unfair arrangements with harsh financial penalties.
• The result is a sense of powerlessness, as those affected feel they have no voice and no choice.

Why it matters

• Home ownership should mean security and control, not uncertainty and exploitation.
• Families are being forced to shoulder costs they cannot afford, undermining both financial stability and peace of mind.
• Ending this broken system is about fairness and dignity – ensuring that owning a home is a source of pride, not a cause of stress.

What has been done

• Gideon Amos MP has made this campaign a central part of his work, raising cases from Taunton, Wellington and nearby villages directly with Ministers in Westminster.
• The Liberal Democrats’ proposed Leasehold Reform Bill seeks to end the current system, replacing it with a fairer model that puts residents back in control.
• The campaign is also shining a spotlight on “fleecehold” charges that affect freehold owners, calling for transparency and justice for all households.

This is about giving local people a voice, standing up to powerful interests, and ensuring that every family can feel secure and respected in their own home.