In response to Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, not mentioning the Renters Reform Bill at the Conservative Party Conference, Morgan Vine, Head of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, said:
“Today the Government had the opportunity to reassure older private renters across the country, one third of which live in poverty, by committing to bringing forward the Renters Reform Bill. However, Michael Gove said nothing about the long-delayed bill, which would protect those renters in later life from unfairly losing their homes.
“Older private renters don’t have time to waste. We know that in May this year, around 2,600 were served an eviction notice, and given just 2 months’ notice to find a new place to live. In fact, older renters are so afraid of the threat of eviction that over 1 in 5 said they are uncomfortable raising concerns with their landlord, due to the fear of a ‘revenge eviction’. Often, this means they have no choice but to live in unsafe or unsuitable homes. This cannot be right.
“We need the Government to keep its promise and protect renters of all ages by bringing forward the Renters Reform Bill now. Over 400,000 privately rented homes have an older person living there. They can’t wait any longer, and neither should the Government.”