RAYNER RULES OUT RENT CONTROLS AS BURNHAM COST-OF-LIVING PLAN TAKES SHAPE

Angela Rayner, Housing Secretary, has ruled out introducing rent controls in England, saying the government's existing Renters Rights Act is already stabilising the rental market. Speaking to BBC Breakfast on 24 July, Ms Rayner said rent controls were "not something that we're looking to do", citing Scotland's experience with temporary controls imposed in 2022 but since expired. She stated the Renters Rights Act, which allows tenants to challenge rent increases at tribunals and prevents bidding wars for rental properties, was "already having a significant impact on the market".

The announcement follows remarks from Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who suggested on Monday that rent freezes were being considered as part of a cost-of-living initiative. Burnham previously called for rent freezes when serving as Greater Manchester Mayor. Ms Rayner's position represents a shift from those earlier suggestions, though rent controls are understood not to be part of current government plans. The statement comes as the government prepares a broader cost-of-living package amid concerns about housing affordability.

The Renters Rights Act remains the government's chosen mechanism for addressing rental market pressures. Ms Rayner indicated that this approach offers a preferable alternative to the price caps and freezes that characterised Scotland's temporary controls. No further details on the cost-of-living measures have been confirmed at this stage.