The white paper says that the government will consult with industry on “the need for any limited exemptions” on the proposed ban, adding: “We will also seek views on what transitional arrangements may be required to mitigate any disruption to new housing supply as we deliver on our ambition for 1.5 million new homes.”

Ms Douglas, a member of the Communist Party’s political committee, told the Morning Star that while the plans could end the financial exploitation of leaseholders by property owners and managers, they suggest that large developers would be prevented from “offloading” freeholds for new-build estates to marketing companies.

As the private sector largely controls the housing supply, “it will have an impact on delivery,” she said, highlighting the number of central London properties owned by foreign oligarchs, despite local need.

She urged ministers to “resolve the injustice of leaseholders being forced to foot the bill for poor quality building, including the removal of lethal cladding from buildings below 18 metres, by holding the developers financially liable.”