Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rent Controls: Local Government

Monday 20 February 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government does not support rent controls in the private rental sector.
  • UK rents increased by 4.4% from January 2023.
  • Government aims to abolish section 21 notices in the private rented sector.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nadia Whittome Lab Nottingham East
Economy Housing
Context

The question arises from a survey by the tenants' union ACORN that found 48% of private renters received rent hikes since January 2021, with some increases as high as 67%, exacerbating cost-of-living pressures and leading to poverty and homelessness.

Question

If he will give local government powers to set rent controls. In a survey by ACORN in September last year, 48% of private renters received rent hikes since January 2021, with some increases as high as 67%. This is fuelling poverty and homelessness during the cost-of-living crisis. Will the Government act now to freeze rents?

Answer from Felicity Buchan

The Government do not support rent controls in the private rental sector, as evidence suggests they discourage investment, lead to declining property standards and may encourage illegal sub-letting. In 2023, UK rents increased by 4.4% from January onwards. The Treasury has allocated a £37 billion cost-of-living package for 2022-23 and an additional £26 billion is available in the coming year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask of freezing rents was not addressed, instead focusing on broader measures to alleviate cost pressures.

How: Under Review, Further Funding

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Nadia Whittome Lab Nottingham East
Economy Housing
Context

A survey by ACORN found that 48% of private renters experienced rent increases since January 2021, with some as high as 67%, contributing to financial strain and homelessness.

Question

In a cost-of-living crisis, 48% of private renters received rent hikes from their landlords since January 2021. Some rent increases were as much as 67%. This is fuelling poverty and homelessness. Will the Government act now to freeze rents while devising permanent solutions for spiralling housing costs?

Answer from Felicity Buchan

The UK saw a 4.4% increase in rents from January 2023. The Government is aware of household budget pressures, hence the Treasury provided a £37 billion cost-of-living package for 2022-23 and will allocate an additional £26 billion in the coming year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about freezing rents was not addressed, instead focusing on broader fiscal measures.

How: Cost-Of-Living Package, Funding

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Paula Barker Lab Liverpool Wavertree
Housing
Context

Since the Government announced their intention to scrap section 21 notices, more than 40 households are served with such notices daily. This totals nearly 53,000 households, worsening living conditions in the private rented sector.

Question

More than 40 households receive a section 21 notice each day since the Government's announcement to scrap them. This totals nearly 53,000 households, and the number is rising. The situation is desperate for many people in the private rented sector. When can we expect the Government's renters reform Bill?

Answer from Felicity Buchan

The Government has a manifesto commitment to abolish section 21 notices, which will happen as parliamentary time allows. The consultation on decent homes standards concluded in mid-October, and they aim to get this legislation right.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific timeline for the Bill was not provided, instead focusing on ensuring legislative quality.

How: Parliamentary Time, Legislative Quality

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)