Oral Answers to Questions

Lloyd Russell-Moyle Excerpts

Monday 27th March 2023 Commons Chamber

[Dehenna Davison]

We know that about 98% of electors have the right identification. We have put additional funding into rolling out our information campaign so that people know what identification is required. It is right that local authorities take whatever measures they can to ensure that people have the right ID. Ultimately, we are confident that this will not reduce voter turnout.

[Lloyd Russell-Moyle (Brighton, Kemptown) (Lab/Co-op)]

7. What steps he is taking to reform the private rented sector.

[James Sunderland (Bracknell) (Con)]

8. What steps he plans to take to sanction landlords who do not meet their obligations to vulnerable tenants.

[The Minister of State, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (Rachel Maclean)]

In our White Paper, we set out plans to reform the private rented sector, giving renters greater security and safer, higher-quality homes. We will introduce legislation in this Parliament.

[Lloyd Russell-Moyle]

I listened to the Minister speak to the Renters’ Reform Coalition last week. She handled the questions very well, and I was pleased to hear her announce that a Bill would be introduced by autumn of this year. But since she gave the speech, 900 people have been served section 21 notices. Every week that we wait means thousands of people being evicted. Today, her Government have announced tougher measures making it easier to evict people. Will she give me assurances that renters will be protected, not forced out, by her new Bill?

[Rachel Maclean]

I thank the hon. Gentleman very much for his kind words, and I am delighted that he was there to hear me reaffirm the Government’s commitment to abolish section 21 evictions as soon as parliamentary time allows. We are levelling up the private rented sector to produce more safeguards for renters and allow more renters to live in safe and decent homes.