LGA Briefing: Debate on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Report: Private rented sector, House of Commons, 29 November 2018

The private rented sector has more than doubled in size since 2002. To accompany the rise in the number of private renters, councils have stepped up their engagement with landlords.

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Key messages

  • Councils want all of their residents to live in secure, affordable, good quality homes. The private rented sector has more than doubled in size since 2002. To accompany the rise in the number of private renters, councils have stepped up their engagement with landlords.
  • We welcomed the report of the Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee on the private rented sector. It is positive that the Committee backed our calls for councils to have stronger powers to tackle rogue landlords.
  • It is particularly encouraging that the Committee recommended that councils be granted greater flexibility to implement landlord licensing schemes. Another key recommendation was to empower councils to levy more substantial fines for the worst landlords.
  • We are pleased the Government has acted on some of the Committee’s recommendations. The review of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is a positive step towards improving councils’ ability to uphold standards.
  • A thriving private rented sector will help to bring about a balanced mix of affordable housing in communities. Councils can help to maintain that balance, but need to be given adequate resources and powers to ensure their residents are fully protected.
  • Local services face a funding gap of £7.8 billion by 2024/25. We want to work with the Government to ensure the Spending Review delivers for councils, which will help improve standards in the private rented sector.

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LGA Briefing: Debate on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Report: Private rented sector, House of Commons, 29 November 2018