Government urged to tackle broadband access barriers for leaseholders

The government claims it is taking steps to address broadband rollout delays for leaseholders.

In a written parliamentary question, Labour MP David Smith asked what steps the government is taking to help broadband operators gain access to multi-dwelling properties where freeholders fail to respond.

Under the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill, leaseholders have a legal right to request fast broadband connections, with freeholders unable to unreasonably refuse.

Address wider access barriers

Labour MP Ian Murray said: “As of January 2026, Ofcom report that 88% of UK premises can access a gigabit-capable connection.

“The Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act 2021 enables network operators to seek time-limited Code rights through a streamlined court process where a landlord has repeatedly failed to respond to access requests.

“While stakeholder engagement indicates landlord non-responsiveness remains a barrier in some cases, wider issues also affect broadband deployment in multi-dwelling buildings.

“Following a recent consultation on broadband rollout in leaseholds, the government intends to take forward measures to address wider access barriers through the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill when parliamentary time allows.”

Strengthen leasehold rights

As previously reported by Property118, the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill would give leaseholders a legal right to request fast broadband connections.

The legislation would also strengthen leaseholders’ rights by making lease extensions and freehold purchases cheaper and easier, while simplifying the process of converting leasehold flats to commonhold.

The government has also announced that the proposed cap on ground rents at £250 a year will not come into effect until 2028.