LABOUR’S plans to accelerate private house building will not fix affordability issues for tenants, London Renters Union (LRU) warned today. 

The King’s speech confirmed plans to ban Section 21 evictions, expected to be legislated through the new Renters Rights’ Bill. 

The LRU is now urging the government to seize the opportunity to introduce urgently needed rent caps. 

Research by the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence suggests that building 300,000 new homes a year would do little to improve years of rent inflation, with a 1 per cent increase in housing stock tending to only reduce rents by between 1.5 and 2 per cent.

LRU spokesperson Jae Vail said: “It’s unrealistic to expect private developers alone to reverse decades of runaway house prices and rents.

“Rent controls can immediately deliver greater security and affordability for millions, saving public money that could be invested in social housing. 

“It’s time for Labour to ensure its plan works for ordinary people, not just private developers.”