Rental activists are planning a demonstration in central London tomorrow – but even the organisers anticipate there will be just 500 at the event.

The London Renters Union says the event is to demand “urgent action on … spiraling rents.” 

The group claims London’s rent crisis is tearing communities apart. With the average rent hitting £2,172 a month, “millions are being pushed to the brink”. 

And it accuses the new Labour government of “taking its hands off the wheel” in not tackling rent levels, and condemns the Starmer administration for relying on private developers to build some of the homes required to meet its 1.5m new homes target by 2029.

A statement from the group says: “Rent control already exists in 16 European countries and was once a staple of UK housing policy until it was dismantled under Thatcher. Now, calls to reintroduce rent controls to this country are gaining momentum, with widespread support from trade unions and housing groups.

“The LRU is demanding rent controls that work to make real rents more affordable over time and a long-term investment in both building and buying back public housing.”

A spokesperson for the London Renters Union comments: “We are sick and tired of seeing our city carved up by the rich and powerful. It is disgraceful that ordinary people have to uproot their lives because a landlord or a developer thinks they can get more money. 

“Home is the centre of our lives and our communities. Something so foundational to our city cannot be left to unaccountable landlords seeking ever higher profits. Rent control can take the pressure off renters right now while we continue to push for the public homes we need and deserve. 

“We will continue to grow the power of our movement and fight until we win affordable homes for all.”