Angela Rayner, the Shadow Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities Secretary, has intensified Labour’s stance against what she calls “irresponsible landlords” taking advantage of the government’s delay in banning no-fault evictions. In a bold statement, she asserted that Labour is “putting them on notice.”
Rayner’s critique revolves around the government’s sluggishness in implementing a ban on Section 21 eviction notices, attributing the delay to a surge in homelessness. Section 21 permits landlords to evict tenants without cause, a practice Rayner condemns for its adverse impact on housing security.
“The government’s reluctance to act has empowered landlords to unjustly evict tenants,” Rayner stated in an interview with ITV News. “It’s evident in the escalating use of Section 21 notices, which is contributing to homelessness and instability for those under threat.”
The Shadow Housing Secretary highlighted a concerning 38% spike in the use of Section 21 by landlords in England, accompanied by a 29% increase in bailiff repossessions. These alarming figures coincide with a rise in buy-to-let mortgage arrears by 30%, forcing landlords to sell properties or hike rent prices to unprecedented levels.
Beyond the housing crisis, Rayner scrutinized the government’s approach to landlord taxation, indicating that tax changes have made property rental less profitable.
While the Renters Reform Bill, currently in parliament, aims to grant more rights to tenants, including protection from arbitrary evictions, it’s faced resistance from Conservative MPs, some of whom are landlords themselves. Rayner questioned the motives behind this opposition, emphasizing the need for secure housing for those vulnerable to eviction.
Rayner, who grew up in council housing, stressed the importance of building more social housing to ensure stability for families. “Insecure housing affects every facet of life,” she remarked, relating her own upbringing to the necessity of secure housing for families.
When pressed on Labour’s social housing construction plans, Rayner refrained from giving a specific figure. However, she affirmed Labour’s commitment to building 1.5 million homes of all types in five years, aiming to surpass the government’s lacklustre housing targets.
Rayner also proposed reforms to the Right to Buy policy, acknowledging its impact on the shortage of social housing. She advocated for a balanced approach, ensuring taxpayers receive fair value while addressing the critical need to replace sold-off social housing stock.
With the housing crisis deepening, Angela Rayner’s uncompromising stance underscores Labour’s determination to tackle the root causes of homelessness and housing insecurity. As the discourse intensifies, attention remains fixed on the government’s actions in addressing this pressing national issue.