Generation Rent has yet again come out for rent control over the private sector – and wants it to be an election issue.

The group’s chief executive Ben Twomey claims many key workers are effectively priced out of the rental market in some big cities and says: “Just a few years ago we were clapping on our doorsteps every week for key workers. Now they risk being driven out of our city because of soaring rents. 

“For communities to survive, local people must be able to stay healthy, receive an education, find a safe home to live in and purchase basic goods. But, if those working in vital jobs cannot afford to live in the area, everyone loses out.

“The current cost of renting crisis is devastating London’s communities. It is vital that England’s Metro Mayors have the power to slam the brakes on local rents and give our key workers the breathing space they need to live and work in their community. It is also vital that the mayor and the government build more affordable homes in the capital and increase how much social housing is available.”

Twomey – a former Labour candidate in a local police commissioner election – has in the past backed Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s bid to win powers to control the private rental sector. 

Now he wants all candidates in May’s elections to back the idea.

Generation Rent’s analysis of 15 key and essential worker roles show that no borough in Inner London is affordable for roles across education, healthcare, social care, construction, retail, commerce, and hospitality.

The group is calling on candidates for London Mayor to demand powers to control rents and commit to building many more social homes in the capital if they win in May.

And Twomey says a home is considered affordable if it costs 30 per cent or less of income.