Shadow Housing Secretary Katie Lam has reportedly backed scrapping the Renters’ Rights Act, although the Conservatives have since confirmed that this is not party policy.

During the annunal conference, Lam - who has previously blamed the legislation for rising rents and landlords offloading their properties - was critical of Labour’s plan to take over management of vacant properties after six months, which she said created real challenges for landlords, telling delegates at a fringe event it didn’t matter that the Act had originated from her own party. “I don’t care where it comes from. It’s got to go!”

In her conference speech, she suggested the Tories would cut the cost of new-build homes by up to £50,000, scrap the Future Homes Standard, replace Section 106 and the Community Infrastructure Levy with a single levy, scrap Stamp Duty and reduce other housebuilding regulations and barriers to development and infrastructure.

Welcome

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark (pictured), says moves such as increasing housing supply, simplifying planning and making it easier for people would be welcome.

“Scrapping Stamp Duty would also remove a significant barrier to moving home and could help improve mobility across the housing market,” he adds.

Consideration

However, Douglas says scrapping the Future Homes Standard altogether needs careful consideration. “The priority should be proportionate regulation that supports new housing without adding avoidable costs or delays, while ensuring homes remain fit for the future.”

He adds: “Ultimately, planning reform alone will not solve the housing crisis. The test of these proposals will be whether they actually deliver more homes and improve affordability, particularly for first-time buyers and renters. The £50,000 saving claim will also need to be tested against whether those savings reach consumers. Furthermore, policy makers must not make cost saving at the expense of quality and standards, a balance will need to be struck.”

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