Ealing Southall MP Deirdre Costigan has accused the UK’s largest property management company, FirstPort, of “eroding local people’s trust” as she joined fellow Labour MPs in a parliamentary inquiry on Thursday (23 October 2025) into rising service charges, poor maintenance, and a lack of transparency affecting leaseholders across the country.
The inquiry, held in Parliament on Thursday and co-chaired by Rachel Blake MP and David Pinto-Duschinsky MP, heard evidence from residents nationwide – including two from Ealing Southall – who spoke of “rip-off” fees, delayed repairs, and unresponsive customer service. Ms Costigan said it was time for FirstPort to “demonstrate proper accountability” after years of unfulfilled promises to improve.
Ms Costigan said: “Leaseholders deserve transparency, timely repairs, and communication that respects their rights as paying customers. I’ve heard enough excuses. FirstPort must start delivering.”
Among the witnesses were Tim and Kasha, residents of the West Works development in Southall, whose testimony highlighted the emotional toll of escalating charges and neglected maintenance. Ms Costigan said their experiences “shone a light on the need for FirstPort to dramatically improve its service.”
The inquiry was divided into three sub-sessions on management, communication, and financial transparency. Witnesses raised concerns over missing reserve funds, opaque billing, and poor auditing.
Commenting on FirstPort’s financial transparency, Ms Costigan said: “My constituents’ service charges are rising unsustainably, yet residents are being kept in the dark about where their money goes. That is completely unacceptable. This inquiry is about shining a light on FirstPort’s accounts and ensuring leaseholders get value for money.”
FirstPort, which manages more than 300,000 properties nationwide, has faced criticism for service charge increases of more than 50% in some cases. Across London, service charges have risen by 39% between 2019 and 2024, according to figures from The Property Institute – well above inflation over the same period.
Labour MPs are calling for mandatory qualifications for managing agents, standardised, transparent accounts, and stronger powers for residents to challenge poor performance. MPs will now write to FirstPort demanding measurable improvements and a clear timetable for reform.
