Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has ruled out introducing rent controls in England, rejecting proposals previously backed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Speaking on broadcast rounds, Rayner argued that existing measures in the Renters’ Rights Act are already stabilising the private rented sector without the risk of deterring landlords.
Angela Rayner Dismisses Controls After Andy Burnham’s Past Support
The debate over regulating private sector rents has exposed clear divisions within the government. Housing Secretary Angela Rayner confirmed that ministers will not be looking at rent controls in England, directly pushing back against proposals historically championed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
While serving as the mayor of Greater Manchester in 2023, Burnham called for freezes on private sector rents to help households navigate the cost-of-living crisis. But speaking on BBC Breakfast, Rayner argued that the economic landscape has shifted significantly since then, pointing to subsequent legislative interventions.
“I don’t think that rent freezes, rent controls, is a way forward at the moment. Three years ago, Andy called for that because there was a significant crisis in the rental market. We implemented between then the Renters’ Rights Act which is giving renters more power and control.”
Angela Rayner, Housing Secretary, via BBC
Rayner added that Scotland’s experience with temporary rent controls, which were introduced in October 2022 before expiring last year, demonstrated that price caps had not necessarily brought rents down. Under upcoming Scottish legislation, Holyrood ministers will designate specific rent control areas with council-enforced caps of up to 6%, but England will not follow that model.
Tenant Support Clashes With Landlord Warnings
A survey of 5,607 tenants conducted by SpareRoom revealed that more than eight of 10 tenants support rent controls as a crucial relief mechanism.
However, the same research highlighted that six out of 10 tenants also understand that price caps risk driving landlords out of the market. Industry groups argue that government intervention would backfire by accelerating an ongoing supply squeeze.
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, urged ministers to avoid price caps entirely, warning that such a policy would undermine the supply of the homes to rent that tenants urgently require.
Political Backlash From the Left and Right
Rayner’s announcement triggered swift condemnation from political opponents across the spectrum. Left-wing figures criticized the decision as a retreat from addressing the housing affordability crisis.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski took to social media to label the Prime Minister continuity Starmer
while arguing that rent limits represent the single most impactful measure to help with household finances. Jeremy Corbyn similarly described the policy reversal as extremely disappointing
, warning that homelessness cannot be solved without taking action against extortionate private rents.
Meanwhile, the Conservative opposition argued that the disagreement highlights internal party fractures. Gareth Bacon, the shadow housing minister, asserted that rent controls would intensify the damage done by Labour's agenda
and further reduce rental choices for consumers.
Stretched Targets for Home Construction
Alongside the rent control debate, Rayner addressed the government’s broader housing manifesto pledge to build 1.5 million homes over the course of the Parliament. Admitting that the objective has grown increasingly challenging amid surging construction costs, she maintained that the administration remains committed to the goal.
It certainly got more challenging, and we've seen things like construction costs go up etc, which has had a real negative impact on that,
Rayner told broadcasters.
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