In Labour co-leader Cllr John Allcock’s column in Brighton & Hove News, he reassures private sector renters that Labour is on their side:

“Residents also need assurances about the quality and management of homes in the private rented sector.

“The private rented sector is a disproportionately large sector in Brighton and Hove, comprising just over 30 per cent of homes.

“At present we do not hold sufficient information about who manages them or how they are managed.

“Evidence from tenants’ groups such as Acorn and CAB (Citizens Advice) indicates that in some areas the conditions that renters are enduring are well below an acceptable standard.

“Disrepair and poor, unsafe conditions are common. Tenants often feel unable to challenge landlords or agents who refuse or fail to make repairs or keep homes safe, because they fear rent increases or retaliatory eviction. Insecure tenancies and no-fault evictions exacerbate the precarious nature of being a renter.

“In February last year, at Brighton and Hove City Council’s annual budget council meeting, Labour pushed for councillors to agree additional funding of £150,000 for the Private Sector Housing Team to enable a more proactive approach to enforcement helping to raise standards.

“From selective landlord licensing, to an ethical lettings agency and a landlords charter, Labour have a plan to improve conditions for private renters in the city – and we will continue to push the Green administration to implement meaningful change.

“Private rental sector tenants – Labour is on your side.”

You can read Cllr Allcock’s column in full here.

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