Campaigns update: What we are doing for you
This week has seen the NRLA make national news headlines yet again, with CEO Ben Beadle speaking at a national conference and attending a roundtable in Westminster.
Chief Executive Ben Beadle appeared on GB News on Monday to talk about the Government’s plans to carry out a review into the effect of short-term holiday lets, such as those on offer through platforms such as Airbnb on the housing market and neighbours. He explained that the boom in short lets was fuelled by Government’s decision to punish landlords for providing long term sustainable homes by removing tax breaks on mortgage interest. The effect, as many members will appreciate, has diminished supply and pushed up costs for tenants.
He also talked to Liam Halligan, on GB News, yesterday, about the impact of the current political situation and leadership race on the Government’s newly announced plans for rental reform.
Elsewhere he attended a roundtable in Westminster organised by think tank Onward. The meeting was attended by Conservative MPs, including Eddie Hughes, minister for rough sleeping and housing and Bob Blackman Vice Chair of the APPG for Renters and Rental Reform along with other stakeholders includeing Generation Rent and Shelter, to explore how best to ensure higher standards in the private rental sector.
Discussions centred on the contents of the Government’s white paper on rental reform, with the NRLA outlining its key asks, five changes it believes need to happen for the plans to be successful.
These include:
- An end to anti-landlord rhetoric
- A change to the planned tenancy changes to allow for fixed terms in the student market
- A strengthened process for dealing with anti-social behaviour
- Court reform before Section 21 is lost
- The abolition of local licensing
The minister expressed concern at these areas, particularly ASB and the student market, and has agreed to meet privately to discuss this further.
Ben also addressed the Capital Letters conference in London this week. Capital Letters matches families on low incomes with private rented properties.
In his debate with Matt Downey, CE of Crisis, he set out why landlords were so important in offering housing at a time of increasing demand and how landlords can work with businesses and charities to develop workable solutions to housing challenges. There was much agreement from Crisis.
Ben said: “It is important to engage in these debates – as it is through constructive discussions with other interested parties, be that companies such as Capital Letters or charities like Crisis that we can come up with potential solutions to benefit both landlords and tenants.”
