Date Published 20 January 2023
On the 4th January Prime Minister Rishi Sunak did not even warrant a mention of the Renters Reform Bill suggesting that it remains only a secondary issue. In a high-profile speech at Stratford, Sunak states that he would focus 'relentlessly' on five other issues.
The first out of the five pledges would be to halve inflation this year to ease the cost of living and give people financial security.
Secondly, Sunak would like to grow the economy, creating better paid jobs and opportunities across the country.
The next point was to make sure that our national debt is falling so that the future of the public services can be secure.
Fourthly, NHS waiting lists are set to fall and people will get the care they need more quickly.
Finally, Sunak has stated he will pass new laws to stop small boats, making sure that if anyone comes into the country illegally, that they are detained and swiftly removed.
Former Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May first proposed rental reforms back in Spring 2019. In June 2022, led by Boris Johnson, the details of the Renters Reform Bill were released but had not set out a timetable for implementation.
Just two weeks before Christmas the Housing Secretary Michael Gove said: 'We're going to be bringing forward more legislation to improve the position of people in the private rented sector. We want to make sure that people in the private rented sector are confident that local government is on their side. We will bring forward legislation that will give them better protection. It will come in the next calendar year, so 2023.' However, as we know from Sunak's speech their isn't any rush in implementing the Renters Reform Bill.
