UPDATE: In a pivotal announcement, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to “put an end to unsafe housing” and empower renters across England. This urgent commitment was revealed in an exclusive article set to be published in Big Issue on November 17, 2023.
Starmer declared that his government will officially abolish no-fault evictions under Section 21 starting on May 1, 2024. This measure aims to protect the rights of over 11 million renters who face the threat of homelessness due to sudden evictions.
“Homes aren’t just about bricks and mortar. They’re a foundation for families,” Starmer stated. “By giving renters the rights, security, and protections they deserve, we’ll be able to prevent homelessness and ensure people can live with dignity.”
The announcement comes as the Labour Party confirms the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, which aims to significantly enhance tenant protections. The act will also allow renters to challenge unreasonable rent increases and will require landlords to provide valid reasons when reclaiming their properties.
Starmer emphasized the need to rebalance power in the housing system, stating, “The vast majority of landlords are respectable. But it’s about time that we rebalanced the system to give renters more rights and power in their homes.”
This move has been hailed by advocates, including Tom Darling, director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, who called it “fantastic” to finally have a timeline for ending Section 21 evictions. “It is crucial for the government to implement the entire act quickly, including the landlord database and Awaab’s Law,” he added.
Starmer’s pledge addresses a growing crisis where thousands of renters are left vulnerable each year to sudden eviction, leading to increased homelessness. The new legislation is seen as a major step towards ensuring safe and stable housing for all.
As the Big Issue magazine hits the streets on November 17, readers can expect a deeper exploration of Starmer’s vision and the implications for renters across the country.
This sweeping reform signals a crucial shift in housing policy. As the government moves forward, attention will turn to how these changes will be enforced and whether they can effectively tackle the ongoing affordability crisis faced by renters in England.
For further updates, stay tuned as we cover the unfolding developments in housing rights and the impact on millions of renters nationwide.
