The First 2 Months of the Labour Government

As the new government begins to settle in, we are starting to see the direction of their housing policies, with a clear focus on tenant rights, building new homes and sustainability. While the summer recess has slowed the rollout of detailed plans, we have been given some early insights into their priorities.

The Minimum EPC rating for rented properties is likely to be back on the table. Put on the back burner by the Tories earlier this year, it appears to be back in the spotlight again with Miatta Fahnbulleh, Under Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, confirming that the Government will bring in a requirement for rental properties to attain a minimum C grade by 2030.

On their manifesto promise to build 1.5 million new homes, they have made a start over the summer break by consulting on the National Planning Policy Framework, with a revised version expected to be released before the year ends. The document is an important one as it sets out the government's planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied by local leaders. The consultation includes proposals to reform the Standard Method for calculating local housing needs, which will take the yearly target for new homes in England from 300,000 to 370,000.

Following the King’s speech, background notes have been released on Labour’s Renters Rights Bill. It’s still just a headline for now but you can read more about it here: