What is the new government planning for the housing sector?

The first King’s Speech of the new Labour government contained announcements on reforms for renters and leaseholders, plus planning changes to boost housing development.

In the speech, on 17 July, a new Renters’ Rights Bill was announced. It replaces the previous government’s Renters Reform legislation which failed to make it through parliament before the election.

The new bill will follow through on the Conservatives’ pledge to abolish Section 21 no-fault evictions and give tenants the right to keep pets. There will be a new decent homes standard, along with legislation to prevent bidding wars by landlords and lettings agents.

Awaab’s Law, named after the Rochdale toddler who died as a result of mould in his social housing home, will be extended to the private rented sector.

Councils will get powers to fine rogue landlords, and new measures will outlaw discrimination against tenants receiving benefits or who have children.

A new ombudsman service will aim to settle disputes in the sector without involving the courts. And there will be a digital database of landlords, tenants and councils.

To help the government build the1 .5 million homes it has promised this parliament, the bill will reform some planning rules. While local communities will have a say in new developments, they will be prevented from blocking them completely. Planning committees will also be modernised, with the appointment of 300 new planning officers at local councils.

Building on the previous government’s Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act, Labour has also pledged to reform this “feudal” form of tenure and make commonhold the default.

Read more about the speech on the Property Wire website.