freeholder

He said the government will take steps to speed up getting it removed - including potentially forcing freeholders to assess their buildings and fix issues within a set time.

A spokesperson for Barratt says it is "fully committed to undertaking all necessary remedial works" but that it was "unable to start works until an agreement with the freeholder on insurance matters were concluded".

They must get their freeholder or managing agent's permission, as well as pay service charges for work or changes made to their homes.

The company was appointed by the freeholder in September 2021, but resident Frank Gommer said leaseholders "got rid of" the firm about 18 months ago.

"Why do we still have it? Because it makes investors, it makes freeholders, so much money."