True to form Generation has once again called for rent controls over the private rental sector but this time should be featured as part of Mayoral candidates’ campaigns in May’s elections.

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The group’s chief executive Ben Twomey (or not Twomey) states key workers cannot afford rising rents and costs in major cities, he said: “Just a few years ago we were clapping on our doorsteps every week for key workers. Now they risk being driven out of our city because of soaring rents.

“For communities to survive, local people must be able to stay healthy, receive an education, find a safe home to live in and purchase basic goods. But, if those working in vital jobs cannot afford to live in the area, everyone loses out.

“The current cost of renting crisis is devastating London’s communities. It is vital that England’s Metro Mayors have the power to slam the brakes on local rents and give our key workers the breathing space they need to live and work in their community. It is also vital that the mayor and the government build more affordable homes in the capital and increase how much social housing is available.”

Twomey who was a former Labour candidate in a local police commissioner election has always supported London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s attempts to be granted powers to impose rent controls and other measures across the private rental sector.

He is now calling for all city Mayoral candidates in May’s elections to support and use this in their campaign pledges.

Generation Rent’s states that of 15 key and essential workers in the community not one single borough in Inner London falls within the wage affordability for some employee roles across education, healthcare, social care, construction, retail, commerce, and hospitality to be able to rent homes.

GR is calling (politely demanding) for all candidates in the London Mayor election to demand powers to introduce rent caps and pledge to build far higher numbers of social homes if they are voted in.