13th
Oct 2022
A ‘jaw-breaker’ of a story in The Times claims that the government could be deciding to change its mind over the ‘abolition’ of Section 21 eviction powers.
The story features what is an apparent government-leaked set of proposals, which suggests that even though the Conservatives made the pledge to abolish Section 21 powers way back in 2019, it may be ‘brushed under the carpet’ because of the Prime Minister’s new set of priorities and changes.
The newspaper’s piece did not include any other details regarding the reform of eviction powers, however there has been considerable outrage from the ‘Usual Suspects’.
Baroness Alicia Kennedy, director of activist group Generation Rent, tweeted: “Totally flabbergasted. The Conservatives commitment to abolish evictions for no reason was made after a consultation, at a general election, confirmed by two prime ministers at three Queen’s speeches – if this is true it is shameful.”
Labour’s shadow housing minister, Matthew Pennycook slammed the Prime Minister for “betraying” private tenants.
The newspaper says the latest Secretary of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Department, Simon Clarke believed to be one of Truss’ close allies, has drawn up a summary of his new set of ‘must-dos’ to boost housing stock and encourage economic growth.
The list of priorities may include increasing the threshold requirement at which more affordable homes must be built in housing developments, and reducing the EPC regulations both present and near future, for existing and new properties.
An industry expert commented: “If this true, after three years of indecision about being abolished, it would be a major victory for landlords. I speak to landlords and agents every day and the feedback has been they generally have been worried about being able to gain possession of a property back.
“This move will also see a lot of landlords change their mind in selling up, which can only be good for tenants. Housing stock has been dwindling and rents have been rising. I’ve said it all along it’s called non fault eviction, but there is always a fault.”
An industry association spokesperson, said: “Whatever the Government’s plans, a wide range of reforms are desperately needed to support the sector. The supply crisis in the sector must be addressed urgently, while much more needs to be done to root out criminal and rogue landlords. Likewise vulnerable tenants can and should be better supported by unfreezing housing benefit rates.”
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