Reform has promised to scrap the Renters’ Rights Act if the party comes to power, as part of sweeping changes to repeal “foolish regulations”.
In his speech in Birmingham today, Richard Tice, deputy leader of the reform movement, laid out plans for a new ‘Great Office of State’ that he would lead, covering housing as well as business, trade and energy.
Tice, who has worked in property development for 30 years, including as CEO of CLS, said he had more experience in the sector than “the past 20 Housing Ministers combined”.
He said: “Let’s have a Great Repeal Bill that leaves out stupid regulations: scrap Net Zero, scrap ZEV mandates, scrap new rules on labor rights, scrap new rules on property rentals – all well intentioned, but killing jobs, hampering growth, investment and prosperity.
“All of this will help lower inflation and lower bills for consumers.”
He said the Renters’ Rights Act, which has yet to come into effect, “is already reducing the supply of rental housing and therefore increasing prices.”
Tice also spoke about the need to accelerate housing construction and reduce planning restrictions.
He said Reform would conduct research to give trusted planning partners, approved retailers and housebuilders more confidence and leeway, but said they would face tougher fines if they breach the government’s trust.
Campaign group Generation Rent has hit back, warning the “outrageous” policy would be a “gift to unscrupulous landlords”.
CEO of Generation Rent, Ben Twomey, said: “Pushing people back into insecure and unsafe homes is not a promise, it is a threat aimed at England’s 11 million private renters.
“Our homes are the foundation of our lives, so it is shameful to see Reform UK promising to roll back new and vital protections that would improve the quality of our homes and help us live in them for longer.
“Reform UK had no say in the debates on the Renters’ Rights Bill when it was passed by Parliament.
“They have also not spoken to tenant groups like us about their plans, which would be a gift to unscrupulous landlords responsible for the poor conditions tenants currently face.
“Renters have fought for decades for laws that give people more security in their jobs and homes.
“The public widely supports the new laws to keep us safe, so we urge Reform UK to show tenants more respect and rethink what they offer to voters.”