Matthew Pennycook, the housing minister for England and Wales, announced that a ban on new leasehold properties will likely not take effect until after the next general election. Despite the passage of legislation in 2024 to end leaseholds for new houses, the government is still working on a similar ban for new flats. Pennycook emphasized the complexity of the transition, stating that it must be executed carefully to avoid undermining housing supply and encountering legal challenges. He noted that the government is consulting on the best commencement date for this ban to ensure a smooth transition. Critics, including Zack Polanski, the Green party leader, have accused the government of abandoning its commitment to end leasehold, which has faced years of complaints from leaseholders regarding high service charges and deteriorating buildings. Campaigners argue that delays in implementing the ban will exacerbate the ongoing housing crisis, as developers resort to incentives like free furniture and service charge holidays to attract buyers to new leasehold flats.