Private Renter Security 2022-10-17
2022-10-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Renters face increasing rents and energy bills in the cost of living crisis. The government has provided £37 billion support this year.
What steps he is taking to enhance private renter security in the context of the cost of living crisis, given that renters are facing increasing rents and energy bills?
We understand the pressures that renters are facing with increasing rents and energy bills. We have provided more than £37 billion of support this year, and we are committed to the ban on section 21 no-fault evictions. The Government consultation on a decent homes standard for the rented sector has closed.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to enhance security were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Millions of private renters are struggling to afford rent due to the cost of living crisis. The freeze on housing benefit rates still stands.
The Prime Minister has U-turned on scrapping unfair section 21 no-fault evictions, but the freeze on housing benefit rates still stands. Will the Secretary of State give private renters certainty by immediately publishing the renters reform Bill?
We will bring forward reforms for renters when parliamentary time allows. We have maintained local housing allowance rates at increased levels following the covid pandemic, and we keep all issues under review.
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Assessment & feedback
Immediate publication of the Bill was not committed to.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism found that local housing allowance rates were not enough to cover rent in Bristol.
What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that LHA keeps pace with market rents, particularly in places such as Bristol where many are being priced out of housing?
We continue to keep rates under very close review. We have maintained the heightened rates introduced in April 2020, and we welcome proposals on the situation in Bristol to look at it in more detail.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to align LHA with market rents were not given.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Rents have risen by 15% in London, affecting a constituent's ability to afford rent after leaving an abusive marriage.
Is the Secretary of State aware that rents have risen by 15% in London? A constituent works but can barely afford increased private rent. How will the Government address such situations? When will they bring in the long-awaited renters reform Bill?
We are happy to look at the situation affecting her constituent. We have discretionary housing payments for those in hard situations, and we will bring forward legislation when parliamentary time allows.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific support measures and a clear timeline were not given.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
My constituency has seen its supply of private rental properties drop by over 60% due to short-term holiday lets.
What plans has my right hon. Friend to redress the situation?
We recognise the problem in her constituency and are looking at all options to ensure a proper supply of rental properties in such areas.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
Ministers were planning to renege on their commitment to abolish section 21 no-fault evictions, but the Prime Minister denied it.
Can the Secretary of State give a cast-iron guarantee from the Dispatch Box today that if the Government are still standing come the time, a renters reform Bill will be introduced in the next parliamentary Session?
We will introduce the rental reform Bill in the course of this Parliament. That is a commitment we are determined to honour.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy