Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has confirmed that the government will not introduce rent controls in England, dealing a blow to renters and landlords who had hoped for reforms. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Rayner, who was reappointed to the Cabinet in Andy Burnham's reshuffle, made the announcement.
Rayner rules out rent controls
Rayner said: “We won’t be looking at rent controls if that’s what you’re getting at at the moment. That is not something that we’re looking to do because we’ve seen what’s happened in areas like Scotland. It hasn’t necessarily brought rents down.” She added: “I don’t think that rent freezes, rent controls is a way forward at the moment… three years ago Andy called for that because there was a significant crisis in the rental market.”
The government instead points to the Renters’ Rights Act, which Rayner said is “giving renters more power and control.” The decision marks a shift from earlier calls for rent regulation.
Number 10 North opens for business
The announcement comes as Burnham prepares to work from Number 10 North for the first time on Friday. He described the new office as “the situation room for making Britain better.” Burnham said: “For 40 years, power and resources have been sucked into the centre, and too many communities have felt forgotten, without the attention and investment they deserve. Number 10 North will change that by putting more power into every postcode across the entire country.”
First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said: “Through this department, this government will ensure that the places overlooked by Westminster for decades are given a real voice. Number 10 North is open for business.” John Healey MP added: “This is a new era for devolution. Never before has a government been so serious about passing on its own power from Westminster in favour of local areas.”
Impact on renters and landlords
The decision not to pursue rent controls has disappointed tenant groups, who argue that rising rents are outpacing wages. Landlords, however, have welcomed the clarity, fearing that rent caps could reduce investment in housing. The Renters’ Rights Act, which strengthens tenants' rights, remains the government's primary tool to address rental market issues.
