There is a notable division within the Labour Party leadership, as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and the party’s Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, find themselves at odds over the topic of rent controls.
Sadiq Khan has been vocal in his call for government intervention to empower local authorities, including himself as Mayor of London, with the ability to impose rent controls on the private rental sector. This demand comes after years of observation and concern over the housing landscape in London, where a substantial portion of households—over 30%—rely on private renting as their primary accommodation option.
While Khan advocates for this policy as a means of addressing issues related to housing affordability and stability for renters, Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on the matter appears to diverge. The Labour leader’s position on rent controls remains less clear, sparking debate within the party regarding the most effective approach to tackling housing challenges.
The clash between these prominent Labour figures underscores the complexity of housing policy and the diverse perspectives within the party regarding how best to address the needs of renters and homeowners alike. As the debate unfolds, the implications of this disagreement extend beyond party politics, potentially influencing future policy directions and shaping the landscape of the rental market in London and beyond.
In a recent development, Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has called upon the Conservative government to implement an immediate two-year freeze on private rents. Khan argues that such a measure would serve as a lifeline for a growing number of Londoners who are facing the threat of homelessness due to escalating rental costs.
However, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer appears to hold a different view on the issue. While speaking at Khan’s re-election campaign launch in London, Starmer indicated that rent controls are not currently part of the national Labour Party policy. Despite this apparent difference in approach, Starmer reassured attendees of the event that he and Khan maintain a strong working relationship and are committed to collaborating on various issues of importance to Londoners.
This divergence in opinion highlights the complexities surrounding housing policy, particularly in urban areas like London where housing affordability remains a pressing concern. While Khan advocates for immediate action to alleviate the burden on renters, Starmer’s remarks suggest a more nuanced approach, perhaps reflecting broader considerations within the Labour Party regarding the effectiveness and implications of rent control measures.
As the debate continues, it underscores the importance of finding balanced solutions that address the needs of both renters and landlords while promoting stability and affordability in the housing market. Moreover, it serves as a reminder of the critical role that local and national government policies play in shaping the housing landscape and ensuring access to safe and affordable accommodation for all residents.
He further stated, “The prospect of collaborating with Sadiq, my colleague and Mayor of London, under a Labour government, holds immense potential to positively impact numerous lives.”
In recent years, the Labour Party’s stance on rent controls has oscillated, with Lisa Nandy initially expressing support before later retracting her position during her tenure as shadow housing secretary.
Nandy’s departure from office in late summer was preceded by her concerns that rent controls could lead to landlords exiting the rental sector and exacerbate rent increases. This apprehension has since been echoed by her successor and Labour Party deputy leader, Angela Rayner.
A survey conducted last autumn revealed that more than a third of private landlords would consider selling their properties if rent controls were implemented in their area. The poll, conducted by YouGov on behalf of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), indicates that 37% of landlords would decrease the number of properties they let if external entities such as councils were granted authority to regulate rents, both during and between tenancies.
The NRLA warns that such a mass exodus of landlords could severely impact the availability of rental properties, particularly at a time when demand for housing continues to rise steadily.
