Michael Gove, the housing secretary, seems to have prevailed in his tussle with Downing Street, ensuring the forward motion of the ban on no-fault evictions among other reforms. However, the protective umbrella for renters won’t unfurl until next year, The Guardian reports. This development is part of a larger overhaul of the private renting system, an initiative that found its voice in the Conservative’s 2019 election manifesto. Despite its urgency and significance, the process faced potential derailment due to opposition from Tory landlord MPs, making Gove’s victory all the more pivotal.
The renters reform bill, the legislative vehicle for these changes, is slated for debate and vote shortly. Yet, the gears of legislative procedure won’t turn fast enough for it to pass before this parliamentary session’s curtains close.
Cross-Party Push: A Call to Action
The call for these reforms transcends political boundaries. Eric Pickles, former Conservative housing secretary, has united with over 60 parliamentarians across party lines and the mayors of London and Manchester, demanding an end to the procrastination plaguing these crucial adjustments. Their collective voice underscores the commitment outlined in the government’s manifesto, pressing for the promise to materialize into action.
Despite the bill’s progression, renters’ groups are apprehensive. The more time it takes, the higher the likelihood of essential protections being omitted. The current regulatory framework, resting on the shoulders of local authorities already grappling with budget constraints, hardly offers a robust safety net.
Voices from the Field: Mayors and MPs Weigh In
Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayors of London and Greater Manchester – two bastions of private rental activity – have put their weight behind the call for reform. Notably absent from the signatories is Andy Street, the Conservative mayor of the West Midlands.
Other Conservatives, alongside voices from the Liberal Democrats and Greens, have rallied to the cause, emphasizing the need for swift legislative action. Among them are MPs like Jo Gideon, Natalie Elphicke, Derek Thomas, and Richard Bacon.
Tom Darling, representing the pulse of the movement as campaign manager for the Renters’ Reform Coalition, expressed dismay at the government’s hesitation, considering the foundational nature of the bill to housing system reform.
Beyond the Ban: What the Future Holds
The proposed legislative package doesn’t just stop at banning no-fault evictions; it’s also set to introduce new provisions allowing landlords to evict tenants over antisocial behaviour.
Labour links the current section 21 evictions to climbing homelessness rates, advocating for urgent legislation to abolish them. Recent government data paints a stark picture: a near 7% upswing in households teetering on the brink of homelessness or already tipping over the edge, with no-fault evictions driving a worrying 23% surge in such cases.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for the Bill
Though the renters reform bill is queued for its second reading, the time constraints of the current parliamentary session will defer its full passage to the next. This means further readings, debates, and the final nod of royal assent are on hold until the session resumes.
In a recent Commons engagement, Angela Rayner sought assurance from Gove that the bill wouldn’t fall to the wayside before the legislative agenda (outlined in the King’s speech) takes shape. Gove’s response was a terse commitment to private renting reform, a brevity that did little to assuage campaign groups’ concerns.
Reiterating the government’s dedication, a spokesperson emphasized the ongoing progress of the bill, which is a manifesto pledge in legislative form. Meanwhile, a letter from the Renters Reform Coalition highlights the need for stability and clarity, stressing that further delays sow seeds of uncertainty for responsible landlords amidst a backdrop of rising interest rates.