Angela Rayner, former deputy leader of the Labour Party, has called on Sir Keir Starmer to adopt a more confrontational stance towards landlords and freeholders. Speaking at a fundraising event in London, she highlighted widespread public frustration with the housing system and urged the government to take stronger action.

Labour urged to ‘pick more fights’ with landlords

At a recent central London dinner, Ms Rayner emphasised the financial pressures facing many working households, including professionals juggling multiple jobs yet still struggling to cover basic costs. She said, “They feel that nobody understands and cares about the difficulties they go through.”

Ms Rayner stressed that this hardship is not confined to traditionally vulnerable groups but affects a broad range of people. “These are professional people, people that are working really hard, people that have got two, three jobs and they’re still not able to get to the end of the month with their wage packet,” she explained.

She added that voters are impatient for change and need reassurance that the government is on their side. “So, I think we have to pick more fights, personally,” Ms Rayner said, signalling a call for a tougher approach on housing policy.

Criticism of freeholders and leasehold system

Housing reform was a key theme in Ms Rayner’s remarks, particularly regarding the leasehold system and the role of freeholders in collecting ground rents. She criticised freeholders who profit from ground rents without providing value, stating, “Those people that sold the freehold, that are ripping off people for no money … You may as well lob the money in the street, they’re not doing anything for it.”

Ms Rayner highlighted the plight of flat owners who are “being absolutely fleeced” by these charges. She insisted the government should stand up for these residents and put an end to exploitative practices.

Earlier plans announced this year propose capping ground rents at £250 annually before reducing them to peppercorn levels after 40 years, though leasehold would not be abolished entirely.

Ms Rayner also touched on the private sector’s role in public services, criticising some providers for charging large sums without delivering results, citing children’s centres as an example. She referenced Bridget Phillipson’s work on new SEND reforms as part of this effort.

Calls for rent controls and tenant support

Tenant campaigners have echoed demands for more direct government intervention to tackle housing costs. Jae Vail, spokesperson for the London Renters Union, told the Morning Star that Labour risks losing support due to its perceived pro-landlord and pro-developer policies.

Vail urged the government to prioritise tenants’ rights by introducing rent controls to reduce housing costs and investing in council homes to resolve the housing crisis permanently.

What this means for landlords

Ms Rayner’s comments signal potential for increased regulatory scrutiny and policy changes affecting landlords, particularly regarding leasehold arrangements and ground rent charges. The call for “picking more fights” with landlords suggests a political appetite for tougher measures that could impact landlord income streams and operational practices.

Landlords should monitor developments closely, especially any reforms that may alter ground rent structures or introduce rent controls. Engagement with industry bodies and proactive compliance will be crucial as the government responds to public pressure for housing reform.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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