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Well, Labour should perhaps take heart from polling conducted by the pollsters More In Common, which finds that ramping up workers’ rights and renters’ rights have been among the party’s most popular policies among voters during its 10 months in office.
More In Common’s polling also found that voters think the controversy surrounding Reeves’ CV and benefit cuts, which are being proposed by both Reeves and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, reflects negatively on the Government.
The bill, which was a Labour manifesto commitment, is currently going through the final committee stages in the House of Lords.
The Renters’ Rights Bill is a major shakeup of the relationship between landlords and renters which, among other things, will:
Abolish no-fault Section 21 evictions. These evictions are a leading cause of homelessness. They allow landlords to evict renters without having to give a reason. Create a new tribunal where renters can challenge above-market rent increases. End rental bidding wars by prohibiting landlords and agents from asking for or accepting offers above the advertised rent when letting out a home.One amendment, in particular, seeks to prevent Section 21 no-fault evictions from being banned immediately.
Ben Twomey, chief executive of the lobby group Generation Rent, told me: “It is odd that Baroness Scott, who was busy trying to deliver greater eviction protections last year, should have such a change of heart that her amendments are actively seeking to undermine what was her party’s own policy. Renters are relying on the promise of change, and we will continue to work with the Government to deliver on this promise.”
Under the leadership of Kemi Bedenoch, the Conservatives have publicly opposed the bill. They have described it as “deeply flawed” and argue that it will “lead to a reduced supply of homes.”
“The Tories have put in hundreds of amendments on absolutely anything and everything, pushing the bill away from tenants and in favour of landlords,” she claimed.
Sources say amendments to “sabotage” the Renters’ Rights Bill have come from “on high” inside the Tory Party, as Badenoch, “does not like” the bill.
Baroness Thornhill said the bill, which will not only make renting more secure but make it easier for renters to challenge rent hikes, was a “gamechanger” for renters and described it as “a once in a lifetime opportunity to really up the standard of Britain’s private rented sector.”
If Tory peers succeed in their efforts to undermine it, however, she said it would be “a flop”.
Baroness Scott was contacted for comment.
Before last year’s election, the new Government proposed to spend an extra £6.6 billion on insulating homes to improve the energy efficiency of millions of British homes.
Watch this space.
Ask me anything
This week’s question is from a reader who is a leasehold homeowner:
A 57 per cent increase in your service charge is absolutely whopping. Most people would find that challenging as it could be a major change in financial circumstances.
I’d recommend the Leasehold Advisory Service website as a starting point – they’re brilliant.
Vicky’s pick
I’m currently reading Joan Didion’s previously unpublished notes on therapy – Notes to John – which have been published in Britain by 4th Estate. It’s fascinating to read the stoic ruminations of one of America’s greatest writers and commentators on the causes of her own anxiety at a time when we all seem more anxious than ever.
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