In a recent revelation, prominent Green Party figure Siân Berry has taken aim at the Labour Party, accusing them of diluting their commitment to the implementation of rent controls. Berry, a member of the London Assembly and a parliamentary candidate for the Greens in Brighton, points to a new YouGov opinion poll that underscores widespread support for rent controls.
According to Berry, the poll indicates that a significant 69 percent of respondents favour measures such as caps on landlord charges, rent controls, or the freezing of rents. Strikingly, the results, derived from questioning 1,137 adults in the week preceding Christmas, have only recently come to light.
Berry leverages this data to criticize Labour, asserting that the party “has watered down its support for renters, refusing to back rent controls should they win the next election.” She contends that even among Labour supporters, there is a strong appetite for controls, with an alleged 82 percent of them endorsing the idea, as per the poll results.
Addressing the London Assembly, Berry emphasized, “Rent controls are an essential part of the overall manifesto from grassroots groups, and this polling shows 69 percent of Londoners are supportive of introducing the measure.” However, she notes that dissatisfaction looms regarding the progress made by Mayor Sadiq Khan in creating new affordable homes.
Highlighting the sentiments of those most affected by the housing crisis, Berry declared, “Those most affected know exactly how long a distance we must go before the housing crisis turns a corner.” The poll revealed that, when asked about Mayor Khan’s performance on various issues, respondents were most critical regarding the building of affordable homes. A staggering 63 percent expressed dissatisfaction, while a mere 17 percent endorsed the mayor’s efforts. The call for rent controls, backed by Berry and the Green Party, underscores a growing demand for comprehensive housing reform in the face of escalating concerns.
NetRent Comment
Siân Berry might want to point out where rent controls work, or have ever worked, because there is no evidence that we have seen from anywhere in the world that rent controls actually work and don’t cause massive problems further down the line.
But, of course, having empirical evidence to support your argument isn’t required when all you’re after is the soundbite, does it Siân?