Carla Denyer welcomes Green MP’s motion to introduce rent controls

Carla Denyer with Caroline Lucas MP in Bristol.

As rents in Bristol continue to skyrocket, Carla Denyer pledges to push for rent controls as Green MP for Bristol Central. 

This pledge comes as Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavillion, has tabled a motion calling on the Government to follow the example of Scotland and other European countries by legislating for rent controls in the private rented sector. The Early Day Motion seeks to make clear the link between homelessness and precarity with Section 21 evictions and the cost of private renting [1]. Caroline worked on this motion with the Living Rent Campaign [2].

Carla Denyer helping to paint Bristol Fair Renting Campaign’s “Rent Controls Now” Mural [3].

Carla said:

“Having a secure, affordable home is the foundation we all need to thrive at work, in school and life. Yet, successive Governments have made decisions which put this basic right out of reach for working people.”

“I welcome Caroline’s motion, because changing the rules around renting is a key part of creating a housing market in Bristol and the UK which works for everyone.”

“It is disappointing that Starmer’s Labour are agreeing with the Conservatives in opposing measures which cities like Bristol are crying out for, and have indeed been shown to work in other countries in Europe.”

“As Green MP for Bristol Central I will build on Caroline’s work in Parliament and push for meaningful change for people renting in Bristol.”

“As the old parties continue to shy away from the bold solutions the country is crying out for, it is more important than ever to have Green MPs demonstrating that there are alternatives and leading the way to something better.”

Bristol is the most expensive place to rent in Britain outside of London. Almost one third of Bristol’s population are private renters, and over the last ten years private rents in Bristol have increased by 52%, while wages have only risen by 24%. On average, Bristol residents now need almost nine times their annual salary to buy a house [4].

Notes: 

1. The cost of private rent in England and rent controls – Early Day Motions – UK Parliament
2. Living Rent Campaign
3. Bristol Fair Renting Campaign – Shelter England
4. Tackling the rent crisis (bristol.gov.uk)

Full text of Caroline Lucas MP’s EDM:

THE COST OF PRIVATE RENTS IN ENGLAND AND RENT CONTROLS

This House notes the huge cost of private rents in England and increase in private rents since private tenancies were deregulated and Section 21 no-fault evictions were introduced under the 1988 Housing Act; recognises the challenges with accurately estimating average private rents but further notes historical data points to an average £410 per month rent across all private sector tenancies in 1990, in 2023 prices, and ONS data indicating the average private rent in England in February 2024 was £1,276 per month, suggesting roughly a threefold increase; is deeply concerned by the homelessness crisis and the 50% rise  in one year of homelessness due to no-fault evictions and that English Councils spent £1.7bn on temporary accommodation last year; also notes the cost of private rented accommodation in England is higher and renters’ rights weaker than in European countries with rent controls and more secure tenancies; calls on the Government to establish an independent Living Rent Commission tasked with consulting on and designing a national system of rent controls with local flexibility and to provide powers to local councils to control rents in high rent areas; believes rent controls must be implemented gradually and fairly alongside a suite of policies to give renters security of tenure and to address the housing supply crisis, including a mass programme of zero-carbon social homes; and calls on the Government to follow the example of Scotland and other European countries by legislating for rent controls in the private rented sector.