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Housing minister backs rental

Housing minister, Caroline Flint, today backed calls from the British Property Federation (BPF) for a greater focus on professional rented housing.

Speaking at a Citizens’ Advice Bureau fringe event, Caroline Flint MP said that Britain had been focused on ownership since Margaret Thatcher introduced Right to Buy. She said traditional labour supporters had, “voted with their feet”, by changing allegiance.

However there was agreement that an improved rental sector could deliver better quality homes, and security of tenure, for those seeking accommodation.

Ms. Flint’s support for the professional rental sector comes as figures are published today showing a 65% rise in demand for rented homes over the last year.

Ms. Flint said:

“I do believe there is a role for local authorities in helping the rented sector. In Norwich already they are organising a centrally managed agency where they can work with landlords to sign up to a partnership with them in terms of providing extra capacity for social housing. I also recognise that a lot of larger property firms that are currently developing offices and retail centres are interested in the rental sector. There are many good ideas floating about.”

Andrew Teacher, spokesperson for the BPF, said:

“We very much welcome the open and innovative approach of the minister regarding the delivery of a professional rented sector to mirror that of Germany and the Netherlands. Clearly, obtaining institutional investment at the current time will be challenging, but with the right model in place, and more importantly, the right support of local councils, we can look to change people’s perceptions of rented homes and deliver much needed new housing that is both affordable and of good quality.”

For more information please contact Andrew Teacher at the BPF on 020 7802 0113 or ateacher@bpf.org.uk