Green Councillor Advocates for Local Rent Control Powers in Worcester

Green councillor Alex Mace has urged Worcester City Council to seek powers to introduce rent controls locally, aiming to alleviate the financial strain on private renters. The motion, presented at a recent council meeting, argues that while the Renters’ Rights Act strengthens tenant protections, it does not sufficiently address the rapid increase in rental prices.

Calls for Devolution of Rent Control Powers

During the council session, Green councillors emphasised the need for the government to devolve rent control authority to local councils. They cited examples of other UK leaders and local authorities advocating similar measures, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Bristol City Council. Mr Khan notably campaigned for rent controls during his mayoral tenure.

The councillors also referenced Scotland’s government, which is set to grant councils powers to implement rent controls from 2027, signalling a growing trend towards localised regulation of private rents.

Putting People Before Profit

Cllr Mace highlighted the impact of rising housing costs on Worcester’s residents, particularly private renters who face some of the highest financial pressures amid the cost of living crisis. He stated:

“Worcester’s spiralling housing costs are central to the cost of living crisis in our city, with private renters being among the hardest hit. Without making renting more affordable, thousands of residents in the city will continue to face staggering costs, be plunged further into economic hardship and be priced out.

“Rent controls are far from a panacea, they will not fix the housing crisis alone or overnight. However, they are a necessary tool to transition to a housing system which puts people before profit.”

Opposition from Liberal Democrat Councillors

Despite the motion’s approval, it faced opposition from Liberal Democrat councillors. Councillor Jessie Jagger explicitly stated their stance against rent controls, saying:

“We will be voting against the motion as we do not support rent controls. We want to send a clear message to the market that this is not a policy we want to pursue.”

Motion Approved with Amendments

Worcester City Council approved the motion with an amendment requiring the council’s communities committee to first assess the impact of the Renters’ Rights Act on local residents. Following this review, the council will write to the Housing Secretary to request that the government grant local authorities the power to implement rent controls in the private rented sector.

This development reflects ongoing discussions about how best to balance tenant protections with market dynamics in the UK’s private rental sector, particularly in the context of rising living costs.

What This Means for Landlords and Agents

While no immediate changes to rent regulation are in place, landlords and letting agents in Worcester and potentially other areas should monitor developments closely. Should local rent control powers be granted, this could introduce new restrictions on rent increases, impacting rental income and property management strategies. The debate also underscores the importance of understanding evolving tenant rights and local government initiatives affecting the private rented sector.

Further Information

The full council meeting, including the rent control motion discussion starting at 1:05:58, is publicly available for those interested in the detailed proceedings.

Suggested internal link anchors

• rent control powers
• private rented sector
• Renters’ Rights Act
• cost of living crisis
• local authorities
• housing costs
• tenant protections
• rental income
• letting agents
• housing crisis
• market regulation
• tenant rights

TLA update

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