New housing policies: Angela Rayner's speech at Labour Party Conference - Property Industry Eye

2 days ago

In her address at the Labour Party conference yesterday, Angela Rayner announced steps to safeguard tenants against issues like fire safety hazards, dampness, and mould.

The deputy prime minister, who is also in charge of housing, is dedicated to creating homes that are suitable for the future. Additionally, he has promised to introduce a plan this fall aimed at fast-tracking the removal of dangerous cladding from tall buildings.

On Sunday, Rayner also revealed plans to seek input on a new "decent homes standard" aimed at both social and private rental housing. Additionally, there will be a proposal for new legislation requiring landlords to address repair complaints within specified time limits.

Here’s an excerpt from Rayner's address concerning housing during the Labour Party Conference yesterday:

"Fourteen years of Conservative turmoil have impacted not only employment but also people's living situations."

There aren’t enough homes being constructed. The Conservative Party has consistently fallen short of their goals year after year.

Michael Gove returned almost £2 billion in unused housing funds to the Treasury. Mortgage rates have skyrocketed. Leaseholders are vulnerable to exorbitant fees. Renters are dealing with significant rent increases in damp and mold-infested homes. Homelessness is a pressing issue in our communities.

The basic desire for a safe, secure, and affordable place to live seems more unattainable than it has ever been, and we cannot continue this way. Therefore, it is essential that we start making changes within our own homes.

We are addressing the urgent housing crisis caused by the Conservatives.

We will encourage construction in Britain and create quality homes for those who work.

A new planning approach will pave the way for more affordable housing and deliver the most significant enhancement to social and affordable housing we've seen in decades.

At the conference, we will discuss how our proposed renters’ legislation aims to improve the dynamics between tenants and landlords, putting a stop to no-fault evictions for good.

Our long-term strategy aims to liberate leaseholders from the constraints of an outdated system.

A collaborative task force from various government sectors will work to redirect Britain towards eliminating homelessness.

No matter if you're renting, a homeowner, or currently without a place to stay, this government is here to support you.

My goal goes beyond simply constructing houses; I aim to create true homes.

We can't build just for the sake of building. It's essential that these new houses are comfortable, reliable, and, above all, safe.

We will provide families with the stability they require to ensure a great beginning in life.

I've personally experienced how much a good home can impact someone's life.

During my childhood, we didn't possess much, but we had a stable and secure house. Unfortunately, that's not the case for everyone today.

Collaborating with the Prime Minister on the Grenfell Inquiry was the most heartbreaking experience of my professional life. Seventy-two people lost their lives, including eighteen children, all of which could have been prevented. It was a devastating breakdown of both the market and government systems. We must ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.

It is utterly intolerable that, seven years after the Grenfell tragedy, we still have thousands of buildings covered in hazardous cladding.

That's why we're introducing a new action plan this Autumn to accelerate the remediation process, and we will hold those accountable to their actions—regardless of who they are.

This should result in the development of new and safer social housing for years to come.

During the Conservative government's time in office, the construction of new social housing significantly declined.

We aim to turn things around by creating more affordable housing than we lose in the first year of this Labour Government.

During my initial weeks in office, I outlined our plan to kick off this transformation in council housing.

However, as the conference receives backing from the government, there should also be an increase in accountability.

That's why today I want to assure you that this Labour Government is committed to making sure every home is safe and acceptable, and that everyone living there is treated with the respect they are worthy of.

At the conference, it's clear that many housing associations, local councils, and landlords genuinely care for their tenants. I recognize the challenges they've faced after 14 years of Conservative rule.

That's why I will collaborate with the industry to bring about transformation.

This autumn, I will take strong action against damp and moldy homes by implementing Awaab's Law in the social housing sector, and we plan to expand it to include the private rental sector as well.

We will engage in discussions and put into action a new Decent Homes Standard for both social and privately rented properties, aiming to put an end to the unacceptable situation of homes that are uninhabitable.

We will make sure that the staff working in social housing are well-equipped with the necessary skills and experience. Additionally, I will work to empower the 2.5 million housing association tenants across the country to hold their landlords responsible for providing high-quality services and homes. This means repairs and complaints will be addressed more swiftly, and most importantly, social housing tenants will be treated justly.

I am fully aware of the challenges we face ahead.

This summer was a clear reminder: violent extremists targeted our neighborhoods, leaving local governments to deal with the aftermath.

Community strength is built on effective local leadership.

That's why I have re-centered local government in my department's name and purpose, putting it front and center where it should be.