Housing

Debate between Diane Abbott and Emma Reynolds

Wednesday 10th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Emma Reynolds]

Given that the hon. Gentleman is such a witty performer in the House, I am sure he can see the distinction between our proposals and 1970s-style rent control, which was never a proposal of the Labour party and which would have meant the state setting the level of rents. I was opposed to that and we never had it in our manifesto or in our plans.

[Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Stoke Newington) (Lab)]

Does my hon. Friend not accept that the crippling level of rents in London is a cause of increasing concern to young Londoners and their families? In every poll and interaction with them, Londoners are demanding a level of rent stabilisation and—yes—workable rent control.

[Emma Reynolds]

I am sympathetic to the concerns that my hon. Friend expresses, but we take different positions on this issue. I am not in favour of the state setting rent levels.