In a surprising move this week, the Labour Party appointed Angela Rayner as the new Shadow Housing Secretary, a decision that has left some landlords worried about potential policy changes in the private rented sector (PRS). The unexpected appointment follows the demotion of Lisa Nandy from the position.
Chris Norris, the policy director at the National Residential Landlords Association, expressed concerns about Rayner’s affiliation with the left wing of the Labour Party and her association with former leader Jeremy Corbyn’s policies. He suggested that this appointment might signal a shift toward more stringent regulations for landlords in the PRS.
Despite these concerns, Norris believes that Labour is unlikely to make drastic changes to the PRS before the upcoming General Election. He emphasized the need for more clarity on Labour’s housing plans, stating, “We just really want to see some detail because we have had a reasonable dialogue with the Labour team about what they’re thinking.”
Notably, Labour has not published comprehensive plans for the PRS since its ‘New Deal for Housing’ in 2018, leaving landlords uncertain about the party’s intentions.
Norris pointed out that while Labour has made occasional statements about issues like rent control and renters’ reform, there has been no official manifesto outlining their housing policies. This lack of a clear alternative to the current government’s actions has created a sense of uncertainty within the industry.
Reflecting on past elections, Norris noted that some landlords remain wary of the party due to the baggage associated with Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership and his more radical proposals.
However, Norris believes that the fate of the Renters (Reform) Bill currently before Parliament could play a crucial role in shaping Labour’s housing agenda. If the bill passes, he speculates that Labour might prioritize other aspects of its broader housing agenda while leaving private landlords relatively untouched.
As for immediate actions from Labour in the event of a win in the next election, Norris suggests that the real concern could revolve around the powers and leeway granted to regional mayors as part of English devolution. He believes that regional mayors, like Sadiq Khan in London and Andy Burnham in Manchester, could implement measures such as rent freezes and increased intervention in different parts of the country, potentially impacting landlords’ investment decisions and the provision of much-needed housing in specific areas.
In conclusion, Angela Rayner’s appointment as Shadow Housing Secretary has raised questions among landlords about the direction of Labour’s housing policies. While concerns exist, the lack of a detailed housing plan from the party leaves much uncertainty about potential changes in the PRS. The fate of the Renters (Reform) Bill and the powers granted to regional mayors in English devolution are likely to be key factors in shaping Labour’s housing agenda in the coming years.