Conservative Council Supports The Recommendations of The Select Committee On Levelling Up

A committee of UK MPs has urged the government to tighten existing rental reform measures. They have found support for their stand from a Tory council in Middle England. The Select Committee on Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities has widely criticized the government's reforms, where all parties have a representation.

The committee has suggested that a majority of the tenants are not worried by the insecurity around housing or the poor quality of rental homes. They are more concerned by the surging rents caused by landlords quitting the property scene. Many landlords have given up their renting business citing their inability to make any profits because of the heavy taxes imposed by the government following the phasing out of landlords who own rental properties in their own name from being able to deduct mortgage interest. The MPs from the Select Committee were of the opinion that banning Section 21 evictions was a bad idea as it could lead to a huge increase in possession cases before the abolition date. Many affected tenants and landlords may seek legal aid, thus swamping courts.

The Select Committees' findings have been widely supported by the Tory-controlled Cherwell District Council. The council has released a statement:

The Select Committees' findings have been widely supported by the Tory-controlled Cherwell District Council. The council has released a statement:

The timely report calls on the government to consult with local authorities to ensure that the civil penalties regime is fit for purpose. This will have the added value of ensuring that local authorities can take action through enforcement when necessary and work to drive out irresponsible landlords.

Nicholas Mawer, the councilor who is chair of the Cherwell District Council, welcomed the recommendations of the House of Commons to the Renters Reform Bill. The Council reminded the government that they had called for these reforms several times in the past. The Councillor expressed satisfaction that progress is being made to bring these reforms to the government's attention. Quality homes are out of reach of most people, especially those with low incomes who are forced to rely on the private rental sector. It makes life harder for these people. The extended cost of living crisis has only worsened things for many. MPs point out that the most vulnerable residents need their support and care during such times.

Nicholas Mawer added that it is the fundamental right of every tenant in the UK to feel secure in their own homes and feel confident in the quality of housing. Under the circumstances, tenure is a secondary issue. Most landlords are known for providing tenants with well-maintained, clean, and decent homes. A few spoil the community by taking advantage of their vulnerable tenants and forcing accommodations of poor quality and dangerous conditions on them, but that is not the norm. Cherwell District Council has expressed its all-around support for the committee's recommendations. They are ready to have meetings and conversations with the government around these proposed reforms. The reforms will equip them with the power to take up the issues with the concerned landlords.