The Leasehold Advisory Service has strengthened its board with four new non-executive directors, as the government takes its Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill through Parliament.

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has confirmed the appointments to the body, known as LEASE, which is set to have a bigger role as a voice for leaseholders following the reforms that are currently going through Parliament.

Paula Higgins, the chief executive of Home Owners Alliance, and Wendy Wilson, an expert with 40 years’ experience in research and policy, both join for a term of four years with a focus on housing and consumers.

Kim Caddy, a chartered accountant who has served as cabinet member for housing at Wandsworth Council among other leadership roles, has been appointed as chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee for a term of four years.

Emer McNally has been appointed as a non-exec with a focus on the digital transformation of LEASE services for a term of three years.

McNally is currently chief information officer at global transport firm Mobico, has served on residents associations for over 20 years and has personal experience of the system as a leaseholder herself.

LEASE is funded by the government but operates independently to provide advice and support for leaseholders.

Minister for housing Lee Rowley says: “We are delivering significant reforms through the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill that will improve homeownership for millions of people. 

“I welcome the strengthening of the leadership of LEASE with the appointment of the new board members as it continues to undertake its important role on behalf of leaseholders and homeowners.” 

Its chair Martin Boyd adds: “Kim, Paula, Wendy, and Emer have an exceptional level of knowledge and a wealth of experience in the housing sector and in senior executive roles.

“I am looking forward to working with them and believe they will bring a lot to LEASE, particularly at such a critical time of radical transformation.”

Meanwhile, leaseholders are set to continue to pay annual ground rent capped at £250 for up to 20 years in an amendment to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill set to be announced this week.   

Housing secretary Michael Gove has been forced to water down the reforms in the Bill following resistance from the Treasury, according to a report in the Times at the weekend.   

Annual charges levied on leaseholders will now be capped at £250 rather than being cut to zero, or “peppercorn” rate, as first outlined in the Conservative 2019 manifesto.   

Last year Gove called the leasehold system a “feudal system that needs to go”.