In a renewed push for change, Generation Rent is demanding rent control measures over the private sector, aiming to bring the issue to the forefront of the upcoming elections. The group’s leader, Ben Twomey, contends that skyrocketing rents in major cities are pushing key workers out of the rental market, posing a significant threat to the stability of communities.
Twomey emphasizes the importance of addressing the affordability crisis, stating, “Just a few years ago, we were clapping on our doorsteps every week for key workers. Now they risk being driven out of our city because of soaring rents.” He argues that for communities to thrive, local residents must have access to affordable housing, healthcare, education, and essential goods. However, the current cost of renting crisis is allegedly devastating communities in London.
The group asserts that England’s Metro Mayors should be empowered to control local rents to provide key workers with the necessary breathing space to live and work in their communities. Twomey, a former Labour candidate, previously supported London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s efforts to gain control over the private rental sector and now urges all candidates in the upcoming elections to endorse this idea.
Generation Rent’s analysis of 15 key and essential worker roles reveals that no borough in Inner London is affordable for individuals in education, healthcare, social care, construction, retail, commerce, and hospitality. As the May elections approach, the group is urging London mayoral candidates to advocate for rent control powers and commit to constructing more social homes in the capital.
Twomey defines a home as affordable if it costs 30% or less of one’s income, underlining the importance of creating a housing market that is accessible to key workers and essential staff.
NetRent Comment
It’s telling that Generation Rent have failed to point to any examples anywhere in the world where rent controls work. There’s a simple reason for this – there are none.
Yes, there are serious issues with the private rented sector but bashing landlords, reducing their income, unique taxation and horrendous regulatory control will not keep landlords in the industry and will not encourage new landlords.
Just a thought Generation Rent but why not support landlords, push for better tax relief, fewer restrictions and work together? Or does that go against your political aims? Using renters in your power politics games is cynical in the extreme and will not help house one person you claim to be acting for.