Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, is set to propose a three-year “emergency brake” on private rent increases during the party’s conference. He plans to frame housing affordability as a critical issue of generational fairness.
Polanski will advocate for a cap on rent rises, suggesting they should not exceed the lowest of inflation, wage growth, or 2% for a three-year period. He is also expected to argue that Green Party pressure has influenced Labour’s policy shifts on certain matters. The Green Party of England and Wales is holding its largest conference to date in Brighton, following a reported tripling of its membership since Polanski became leader over a year ago.
In his speech, Polanski is anticipated to highlight how high rent prices are forcing younger generations to live with parents or commute long distances. He is expected to state that landlords have been permitted to increase rents significantly beyond wage growth, forcing renters to make difficult financial sacrifices.
A slowdown in rent increases, Polanski will argue, would provide renters with much-needed relief and allow time for the government to establish a national Fair Rents Guarantee. While the recent Renters’ Rights Act limits annual rent increases and provides other tenant protections, Polanski is expected to contend that it does not sufficiently address the ongoing fear and uncertainty faced by millions of private renters in the UK.
Source: bbc.co.uk
