Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, is set to unveil a comprehensive set of measures aimed at safeguarding renters from fire safety defects, damp, and mold, as well as raising housing standards across the country. This announcement will take place during her speech at the Labour Party conference, marking the party’s first annual gathering since their victory in the general election.
Building Homes Fit for the Future
In her upcoming speech, Rayner will emphasize the importance of constructing homes that are not just habitable but truly fit for the future. She is expected to declare Labour’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis inherited from the previous Tory government by taking bold actions to meet the housing needs of the nation, particularly in the social and affordable housing sectors. Rayner stated, “We will deliver for working people and, in doing so, show that politics can change lives.”
Protecting Tenants with Awaab’s Law
One of the key components of Rayner’s proposed measures is the introduction of a new law, dubbed Awaab’s Law, designed to compel landlords to promptly address reported hazards such as damp and mold. This legislation is named after Awaab Ishak, a tragic two-year-old who lost his life due to exposure to mold in the social housing unit rented by his family in Rochdale. By enforcing Awaab’s Law, Labour aims to assist tenants in approximately 746,000 homes with identified serious hazards in expediting necessary repairs, thereby reducing health and safety risks.
Ensuring Safety in High-Rise Buildings
Additionally, Rayner will outline plans to expedite the ongoing efforts to rectify unsafe cladding on high-rise buildings throughout the UK. This initiative comes shortly after the conclusion of the Grenfell Tower inquiry, underscoring the urgency of ensuring the safety of residents living in high-rise structures. Labour’s intention to consult on a new decent homes standard for both social and private rented accommodations demonstrates their commitment to enhancing living conditions for all tenants.
Raising the Bar on Housing Standards
Rayner emphasized the need to elevate housing standards to guarantee that all homes meet basic safety and decency requirements. She highlighted the disparity between the current standards for existing and prospective tenants, stressing the imperative of creating living spaces that people can truly call home. By pledging to enhance the inadequate housing standards inherited from the previous administration, Labour aims to set a new benchmark for the quality of housing across the country.
Support from Housing Charity and Local Government Association
Housing charity Shelter welcomed the government’s proposals as promising steps in the right direction. Chief executive Polly Neate commended the focus on ensuring the safety and suitability of homes for the future but emphasized the necessity of investing in genuinely affordable social housing to truly address the housing crisis. Neate urged the government to establish a clear target for social rent homes to effectively tackle the housing emergency.
The Local Government Association (LGA), representing councils in England, echoed the call for increased funding and support to enhance standards in the private rented sector. Adam Hug, LGA housing spokesperson, highlighted the potential for councils to make significant improvements if provided with the necessary tools, such as eliminating the requirement for Secretary of State approval for larger selective licensing schemes.
In conclusion, Angela Rayner’s forthcoming announcement at the Labour Party conference signals a significant step towards safeguarding renters and enhancing housing standards in the UK. By introducing measures such as Awaab’s Law, prioritizing the safety of high-rise buildings, and consulting on a new decent homes standard, Labour aims to address the housing crisis and create a more secure and comfortable living environment for all residents. The support from housing charities and local government associations underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in improving housing conditions and ensuring that everyone has access to safe and decent accommodation.