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The Labour Party faces backlash after announcing a significant delay in implementing its pledged housing reforms, now set for 2035. Campaigners and Labour MPs have expressed strong discontent, arguing that renters deserve immediate action against damp and mouldy living conditions, rather than a decade-long wait.
Delay in Decent Homes Standards
Keir Starmer’s government has confirmed that the decent homes standards, which mandate landlords in England to maintain properties in a reasonable state of repair and free from damp, will not be enforced until 2035. This postponement has been labelled a “betrayal” of Labour’s manifesto commitments, with critics arguing that such a timeline is unacceptable for millions of renters currently living in inadequate housing.
Leeds MP Richard Burgon articulated the sentiment of many, stating, “This means the decent homes standards will probably never happen.” Veteran Labour MP Barry Gardiner added his voice to the chorus of disapproval, remarking, “I thought this was supposed to be the year of delivery, not having to wait a decade.”
Former Leaders Weigh In
John McDonnell, former shadow chancellor, warned that the delay could create a damaging perception of Labour as indifferent to the housing crisis. “Many will decide that Labour stands for leaving children in slum accommodation and for landlords,” he cautioned.
The delay follows another scaled-back commitment to reform ground rents for leaseholders, which will now be capped at £250, rather than completely abolished. This cumulative retreat from ambitious housing reforms is raising alarms among party loyalists and advocates who had hoped for immediate improvements in housing conditions.
Outcry from Advocacy Groups
Housing charities have condemned the government’s decision as “outrageous.” Sarah Elliott, Chief Executive of Shelter, expressed her anger, stating, “It’s outrageous that millions of renters are stuck paying hand over fist for often shoddy homes that pose a real danger to their health.” She called for immediate action, insisting that renters cannot wait until 2035 for basic protections.
Generation Rent echoed this sentiment, with chief executive Ben Twomey stating, “It is absurd to let landlords drag their feet for an entire decade, denying renters the most basic standards in our homes.” The group argues that this delay will leave countless families, including children, in unsafe living conditions with limited recourse.
Government’s Justification
In response, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook acknowledged the challenges landlords face in adapting to new standards but stressed the importance of providing a timeline that allows for necessary improvements. “We have decided that all rented properties will be required to meet the new decent homes standard by 2035 at the latest,” he noted, framing the timeline as essential for boosting housing supply and improving living conditions.
However, this rationale has done little to quell the uproar from campaigners and Labour MPs, many of whom are questioning the government’s commitment to prioritising renters’ rights.
Why it Matters
The postponement of decent homes standards until 2035 underscores a growing frustration among voters and advocates for housing reform. As the cost of living crisis continues to challenge families across the UK, the failure to deliver on housing promises risks alienating a crucial voter base. The Labour Party’s credibility on this issue hangs in the balance, as disillusioned supporters may seek alternatives if they perceive a lack of genuine commitment to improving living conditions for renters.
