Thank you for contacting me about private renters.
Please be assured that the Government takes the issue of rising inflation very seriously. The Energy Price Guarantee limits the amount you can be charged per unit of gas or electricity. From April 2023, the Energy Price Guarantee will rise to £3,000. With prices forecast to remain elevated throughout 2023, this equates to an average of £500 support for households in 2023-24.
In addition, domestic electricity customers are receiving £400 off their energy bills in monthly instalments from October 2022. There is also additional targeted support to protect the most vulnerable. In 2022-23, those on eligible means-tested benefits will see a one-off £650 payment, pensioners will receive £300 and those on non-means tested disability benefits will receive £150. In 2023-24, households on means-tested benefits will receive an additional £900 cost of living payment, pensioner households will receive an additional £300 and individuals on disability benefits will receive an additional £150.
This is in addition to the Household Support Fund which is in place for households who need further help with the rising cost of food, energy and water bills. The fund has been extended until March 2024 and is now worth £2.5 billion.
I share your concern about reports concerning the number of private renters potentially facing eviction this winter. Local councils have a duty to ensure families are not left without a roof over their heads. The Government is providing £316 million through the Homelessness Prevention Grant in 2022-23, with an additional £50 million top up announced in early December 2022 to support local authorities in preventing vulnerable households from becoming homeless this winter. Local authorities can use the funding flexibly to help prevent evictions, provide temporary accommodation to those who need it and to offer financial support for people to find a new home. A further £654 million is being invested in the Homelessness Prevention Grant in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
More widely,
I recognise that many tenants live with the worry of being evicted at short notice or continue to live in poor accommodation for fear they will be asked to
leave if they complain about problems with their home. The Government has confirmed that it will enhance renters’ security and improve protections for tenants by abolishing ‘no-fault’ Section 21 evictions.
Under plans set out in the 'A Fairer Private Rented Sector' White Paper, the Government will increase the minimum notice landlords must provide of any change in rent to two months. There are also plans to end the use of rent review clauses, which would prevent tenants being locked into automatic rent increases that may not reflect changes in the market price.
Please be assured that I will continue to follow any developments closely.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me