Most significantly, Sir Adrian Montague’s review of institutional investment in the PRS is due to be published later this month, and already there are reports that he will recommend significant changes so that the planning system and funding rules favour the PRS over affordable homes.
It is thought that the proposals are also likely to include councils being persuaded to change their housing strategies to promote new, private rented developments, and will recommend that the Government offers loans, rather than grants, to support large-scale new-build PRS schemes.
Also likely to be included will be a recommendation that ministers establish a specialist housing taskforce, run by a senior figure from the private sector, to bring forward more public land for PRS schemes.
Once published, a response from the Government is likely to be made in the Autumn.
The Labour Party, meanwhile, has pledged to publish its own policy review of the PRS within the next few weeks. Addressing a conference organised by Crisis in May, shadow housing minister Jack Dromey, who the RLA met just last week to discuss the proposals, stated: “The outcome we want is a sector good for tenants and good for reputable landlords, and a more suitable long-term market which levers in institutional investment.”
Also, housing minister Grant Shapps has launched the Government’s consultation on the standards that should be expected where, as a result of powers under the Localism Act, local authorities decide to use the private rented sector to meet their homelessness duty.
The safeguards that will be expected include:
• A current Gas Safety record.
• That the accommodation and any appliances or furnishings provided conform to standards on fire and electrical safety.
• Precautions to be taken by landlords to prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• The need for a valid Energy Performance Certificate.
• A written tenancy agreement that the local authority considers adequate.
The consultation closes on July 26 and submissions can be made by email to: suitabilityorder@communities.gsi.gov.uk.
Finally, many MPs spending time in their constituencies over the summer will be keen to meet with constituents. RLA members might therefore like to use it as an opportunity to arrange to meet their MP to discuss issues of concern and to suggest that they join the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Private Rented Sector.
