The Church of England has faced criticism for its extensive freehold property empire, with Lord Truscott branding it “feudal.” This criticism emerged during the House of Lords’ scrutiny of the Leasehold and Reform Bill, which aims to reduce leaseholder expenses. The Bill proposes abolishing marriage value, a practice that increases property value when a lease below 80 years is extended or enfranchised, and which is shared between the leaseholder and freeholder. Critics, including the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, argue that abolishing marriage value would harm freeholders, especially charities like the Church of England. However, Housing Minister Baroness Scott maintains that leaseholders should not bear the burden of marriage value, and that the government’s goal is to make it more affordable for them to extend their leases or acquire freehold ownership. Other peers, such as Lord Howard of Rising and Baroness Deech, have raised concerns about the potential legal challenges to the Bill and the threat it poses to property rights. Amidst the debate, Baroness Fox criticized the notion of feudal property rights, while Lord Gascoigne emphasized that the charitable work of an organization should not depend on its funding source. The outcome of the Bill’s debate remains to be seen, but it has sparked important discussions about the role of freeholders and the fairness of the leasehold system.
Feudal Landowner: Church of England Criticism over Leasehold Reform Bill
