Labour's Legislative Drive Kicks Off for Housing Reform

Labour is getting ready to fundamentally transform housing law. Perhaps it didn't seem like much was happening over the summer for Angela Rayner, but her team and civil servants have indeed been working the backroom hard. The result will be wave upon wave of consultation and proposals rolling out over the coming months. The Housing Minister has already hinted at the scale of the changes that will result. Plans have been announced to introduce a Renters' Rights Bill to prevent unjust eviction and excessive rent rises during tenancies.

Housing Policy:  Will Labour's change right to buy discounts?

Meanwhile, the government has agreed that all discounts available under the ‘Right To Buy’ scheme will be reviewed. These discounts result in a net loss of rental properties as tenants buy homes in blocks of flats that were formerly all rented. Introduced in 2012, they have reduced the available social housing stock volume. They are now being considered for reforms that will better protect the remaining housing stock and encourage the supply of affordable rented homes.

Housing Policy:  what does the Labour government propose to further the leasehold or fleecehold agenda?

Leasehold reform is also on the agenda. Labour plans to abolish unfair charges on private housing estates. These will be discussed in public consultations soon, along with protections outlined in the new Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.

Housing Policy:  Labour Proposes largest overhaul of the planning system including a review of Green Belt land

All this takes place against the background of reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework. The new document was published in the run-up to parliamentary recess, and consultation has already begun. Its scope and speed suggest that the government is committed to change.

Housing Policy:  Labour get tougher on EPCs and energy efficiency

But that is not all. Energy efficiency targets might get tougher, affecting both landlords and house builders. A national upgrade programme to get to EPC Grade C is now back on the table. Compulsory Purchase Orders might be dealt with, potentially affecting long-term empty homes. There might be provisions to alter the powers of Planning Committees to prevent obstruction to development.

Housing Policy:  Labour put devolution back on thr table

The English mayors will probably also get bigger control over housing targets and planning processes. Legislative moves, consultations, and devolved powers are all set for center stage in the coming months. Of course, tax changes will dominate headlines, but that is hardly the story on housing. Labour wants to leave its mark following years of indecision by the Tories. The party aspires to accomplish big achievements by 2029, so reform begins now. With everything on a plank, it's pretty obvious that this autumn will not be all quiet in the UK housing sector.