Members of the Labour Party have aired their thoughts on Michael Gove’s plans to pause the scrapping of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions until the courts have been reformed.
Last week, the Conservatives announced that the abolition of Section 21 would not commence until stronger possession grounds and a new court process was in place.
“After nearly five years of foot dragging, it appears they [the Conservatives] need to be appeased with yet more delays” said Angela Rayner MP, Labour’s deputy leader and shadow Levelling Up, Housing and Communities secretary, during the second reading of the Renters Reform Bill in parliament, yesterday (23rd October).
Rayner claimed the Conservatives had chosen “their self-interest over the national interest,” by delaying or opposing the bill.
“People who are facing Section 21 notices cannot afford any more dither and delay,” she added.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also urged the government not to delay the scrappage of ‘no-fault’ evictions until next year, as almost 300 London renters face ‘no-fault’ evictions each week.
“For too long, landlords have been able to take advantage of exploitative ‘no-fault’ evictions, which leave renters vulnerable, simply because the government refuses to act,” said Khan.
“It is inexcusable that four years after the government vowed to ban ‘no-fault’ evictions, so little progress has been made,” he continued.
“Ministers must act swiftly to strengthen and pass the Renters Reform Bill to ensure that renters get the legal protections they desperately need and deserve.”
