Tories and Lib Dems have combined to vote against Labour’s proposed ammendment to ban fees for tenants within the Consumer Rights Bill by 281 votes to 228; a majority of 53.
Cllr Mick Lerry said: “The Tories and Lib Dems showed once again that they really do not care about those people who are in private rented accommodation. In Sedgemoor there are 7113 private renters and in West Somerset there are 5091 private renters who could have benefited from Labour’ proposals to stop letting fees”.
Emma Reynolds MP, Labour’s Shadow Housing Minister, commenting on the House of Commons vote on Labour’s plans to stop unfair letting agent fees, said: “Yesterday Labour stood up for private renters who are being hit hard by David Cameron’s cost-of-living crisis by voting to ban letting agent fees on tenants.
“By contrast, the Tories and Lib Dems failed to stand up for Generation Rent and voted against Labour’s proposals.”
“Homebuyers don’t pay an estate agent who is working on behalf of the seller of a property. However, in contrast, renters have to pay to get the keys to a rental property. The average upfront fees are £350 but in high demand areas, these fees can be much higher.
“Generation Rent needs proper protection against being ripped off. A Labour government will ban letting agent fees on tenants.”
Cllr Mick Lerry – Leader of the Labour Group in Bridgwater and West Somerset
Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Bridgwater and West Somerset.
Mobile: 07775905080
Email: michael.lerry@btinternet.com