Housing

Ian Mearns Excerpts

Wednesday 5th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Jack Dromey]

The private rented sector has an important role to play, but not on its current terms. That is why in July we launched our initiative, which was supported by the sector as a whole, to regulate letting agents. That is why we will be bringing forward proposals on effective regulation of the sector. We have to tackle the lack of stability and security, and the ever-rising rents. That is why we will bring forward proposals to ensure that the decent homes standard applies in the private sector as well as in the public sector.

[Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab)]

Will my hon. Friend give way?

[Jack Dromey]

I will allow one final intervention, but I will then move on so that as many people as possible can speak in the debate.

[Ian Mearns]

Is my hon. Friend aware that he has an ally in the new Minister for Housing on the regulation of the private sector? In 2007, he tried to introduce a clause into a Bill that would have regulated private letting agents.

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

There are 19 people waiting to speak.