Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 6
6
The Department’s forthcoming White Paper offers an opportunity for significant improvement to the private rented...
Conclusion
The Department’s forthcoming White Paper offers an opportunity for significant improvement to the private rented sector. In the past ten years, the Department has made several positive legislative changes in the private rented sector, such as providing tenants with protection from eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic and banning unnecessary charges through the Tenant Fees Act and deposit protection schemes. However, these changes have been piecemeal, and the Department does not have a good understanding of what impact they have had on renters, on landlords or on wider issues such as the supply or affordability of rented homes. The Department says that its focus over the past two years has been on responding to the COIVD-19 pandemic, and it is now returning to its commitment to address issues in the private rented sector with an upcoming White Paper. However, it is yet to set out its ambition for the sector and does not yet have a strategy for the market as a whole. Recommendation: As part of its planned reforms, the Department should ensure it has a full understanding of the cumulative impact of proposed changes on tenants, landlords and the housing market as a whole. In doing this, it should work closely with other departments, including formally where appropriate, to understand how the reforms may affect or be affected by other policy areas such as benefits and tax. 8 Regulation of private renting 1 Regulation by local authorities
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2023 6.2 The government recognises the importance of developing a coherent approach to PRS reforms. The role of PRS has changed in recent decades, as the sector has doubled in size landlords and tenants become increasingly diverse. Today, the sector needs to serve young renters looking for flexibility and people who need to move quickly to progress their careers, while providing stability and security for young families and older renters. It must also work for a wide range of landlords, from those with a single property through to large businesses. 6.3 The white paper sets out proposals for reform to increase the quality and security of tenants in the PRS. In developing the White paper, the department engaged with other government departments including at ministerial, senior official and working level. 6.4 The department will build on these collaborative relationships to understand links between policies in their implementation, monitoring impacts and responding collectively where required. 6.5 The department will complete an impact assessment to set out the impact of the proposed reforms on tenants and landlords and will carry out a new burdens assessment in relation to the impact on local government. 6.6 As outlined in the white paper, the government is also developing its approach to data to ensure that it can monitor the impact of reforms on tenants and landlords. The department will continue to work extensively with LAs to build a better understanding of enforcement challenges, provide improved guidance and help share best practice. The department will also explore how it can bolster national oversight of LA enforcement by requiring them to report on housing enforcement activity.