Cllr Mick Lerry believes that: “Ian Liddell-Grainger MP should support the Labour amendment to the Consumer Rights Bill, to ban letting agents fees”.
“In the Bridgwater and West Somerset Constituency there are many people paying agents’ fees to rent private housing. If the Hinkley C project goes ahead then there will be many residents placed in a vulnerable position, because of the influx of new workers and short-term tenancies. At a time of great change, private renters will need protection”, says Cllr Mick Lerry.
MPs will be urged to back proposals to ban letting agent fees for tenants next week as Labour puts an amendment to the Consumer Rights Bill. Last week Ed Miliband announced that the next Labour Government will pass legislation to ban letting agent fees to tenants and introduce longer-term tenancies with predictable rents. By contrast, the Government has opposed Labour’s proposals and has failed to stand up for “generation rent”.
‘Generation rent’ needs proper protection
Emma Reynolds MP, Labour’s Shadow Housing Minister, commenting ahead of Tuesday’s vote, said:
“Across the country, private renters are being hit by the cost-of-living crisis and paying unfair fees to letting agents. The next Labour government will pass legislation to ban letting agent fees for tenants and to introduce longer-term tenancies with predictable rents.
“David Cameron and George Osborne are totally out of touch with the cost of living crisis facing the nine million people who rent privately, including 1.3 million families with children. The Tories promised to improve private renting but they’ve turned their back on reform.
Cllr Mick Lerry said: “’Generation rent’ needs proper protection against being ripped off – Labour will vote next week to provide it by putting an amendment to the Consumer Rights Bill to ban letting agent fees to tenants. If the Tories and Lib Dems refuse to back Labour’s proposals they’ll have to explain why they won’t stand-up for the nine million people who rent.”
May 8th 2014
Cllr Mick Lerry – Leader of the Labour Group on Sedgemoor District Council
Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Bridgwater and West Somerset Constituency
Mobile: 07775 905080
Email: michael.lerry@btinternet.com