Activists Demand Action from Labour: Grip on Housing Issues

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Just five weeks following the General Election, the Renters Reform Coalition is already voicing concerns over Labour’s slow progress in delivering new legislation. The activist group, which has been pushing for significant changes in the rental sector, is becoming increasingly frustrated with the delay in implementing reforms.

Tom Darling, director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, expressed his disappointment in a recent statement. He emphasised that renters in England have been waiting for necessary reforms for several years. During this period, the rental crisis has continued to escalate, with soaring rents making it difficult for families to stay in their homes.

Darling also highlighted the impact of no-fault evictions, which have led to record levels of child homelessness. He urged Labour to act swiftly and address these urgent issues to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

During its time in opposition, the government committed to ending no-fault evictions “immediately,” and the King’s speech last month included a pledge for a Renters’ Rights Bill. Despite these promises, there has been a notable delay in translating these commitments into concrete action. Tom Darling, director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, emphasised that renters can no longer afford to wait. He argues that urgent legislation is necessary to address the current renting crisis and to provide immediate relief to those affected by unstable housing conditions.

Darling further highlighted the broader implications of the rental crisis, stating that every individual deserves to live in a decent and affordable home. Unfortunately, the current renting system is failing millions, making this fundamental right unattainable for many. The prolonged inaction on this issue is exacerbating the problem, leading to an increasing number of families facing housing insecurity.

Darling’s comments follow the release of new government statistics, which reveal that statutory homelessness in England is at unprecedented levels. Additionally, section 21 evictions, which allow landlords to end tenancies without providing a reason, are rising as a significant contributor to homelessness. This growing trend underscores the urgent need for reform and legislative action to protect renters and address the systemic issues within the housing market.

The group argues that since the Conservative government’s 2019 commitment to end Section 21 evictions, landlords have reportedly filed over 100,000 Section 21 repossession claims in court.

According to data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, 38,440 households were recorded as at risk of homelessness in the second quarter of this year. This figure represents a slight decrease of 0.6% compared to the same period last year.

However, the number of households facing homelessness due to Section 21 notices has increased. Specifically, 6,630 households were threatened with homelessness following a Section 21 notice, marking a 1.2% rise from the previous year. This trend indicates that no-fault evictions are becoming a more prominent factor in homelessness prevention claims.

Recent statistics show record levels of homelessness relief and child homelessness. Claims for homelessness relief—support for individuals already homeless—reached a new high of 48,080, marking an increase of over 11% compared to the same quarter last year. Additionally, a record 151,630 children were reported to be living in temporary accommodation.

The Renters Reform Coalition reports that the number of Section 21 claims filed by landlords since the government’s promise to abolish them in 2019 has now reached 109,538.