Forty-eight MPs and peers have met for the first time this week in an influential new All Party Parliamentary Group for the Private Rented Sector.
While various other attempts have been made to form such a committee, this is the first time one has actually got off the ground.
The Group will aim to inform policy towards private rented housing and has been formed at a time when changes to housing benefit, regulatory issues and the increasing demands being placed on the sector are highlighting the growing significance of private rented housing.
Robert Syms, Conservative MP for Poole, who was instrumental in forming the committee and chairs it, said: “With waiting lists for social housing continuing to increase and home ownership remaining difficult for many, private rented accommodation is becoming increasingly important to meeting the UK’s housing needs.
“The establishment of this All Party Group will enable MPs and peers from all parties to engage directly with landlords and tenants to consider issues of importance and where appropriate, agree on recommendations for action by government. ”
The new committee has been welcomed by Alan Ward, chairman of the Residential Landlords Association, which will provide the secretariat to the Group.
He said: “The RLA wholeheartedly supports the decision by MPs and peers to establish a cross-party group for the private rented sector. This will enable landlords, tenants and other stakeholders to engage in a constructive dialogue with Parliament on how to meet increasing demand whilst ensuring high standards of housing and management.
“The RLA looks forward to playing its part in supporting the Group to meet its aims, objectives and programme of work.”
Vice-chairmen of the Group are Paul Goggins, a Labour MP, and Liberal Democrat MP David Ward.
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Comments
I have just written to parliament, about a better regulation on Estate Agents and how they manage landlords' properties.
When i moved back into mine, the tenant had changed and added things to the house and the Agent ignored this. I am chasing for the money the tenant owes me!
Do these MPs let property in their own capacity and how experienced are they? Each one of them should justify their involvement in this group as their bad advice could make the PRS far worse for landlords, whom the Government wish to court but at the same time tie up in red tape and registers!