Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is facing criticism over claims that she is attempting to force the Renters’ Rights Bill through Parliament without adequate scrutiny.
The controversy stems from reports that Labour peers in the House of Lords have been instructed to attend a late-night sitting this Wednesday. The aim is to guarantee the bill advances to the next stage without delays.
Presence required
A memo reportedly left on a printer in the House of Lords, and seen by The Daily Telegraph, has sparked further controversy. It urged Labour peers to be present, stating: “Your presence is required. Colleagues are needed to ensure committee stage finishes.”
The instruction has raised eyebrows, suggesting a push by the Labour Party to fast-track the Renters’ Rights Bill without allowing full parliamentary scrutiny.
Paul Holmes, the shadow housing minister, has since spoken out against the move. He accused Labour of avoiding transparent debate and forcing legislation through by applying pressure on their own peers.
According to Holmes, “Labour clearly can’t handle the heat of proper scrutiny and are resorting to bully-boy tactics to ram their bills through Parliament.”
He also criticised the contents of the bill itself, calling it “a half-baked plan” that could have negative consequences for both landlords and tenants.
Holmes argued that if passed in its current form, the Renters’ Rights Bill may lead to a drop in available rental properties.
He warned this would likely drive up rental prices, making it even harder for tenants to find affordable accommodation.
The comments come amid growing concern that the bill could worsen the housing crisis rather than improve it.
As the legislation moves through its committee stage, both supporters and critics are watching closely to see how much room there will be for debate and revision.
Many believe that strong housing reform is necessary, but stress that any changes must be carefully considered to avoid unintended harm.
Unacceptable
Baroness Eaton, a Conservative peer from the backbenches, has voiced her concerns over the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill.
She expressed particular unease about how the bill might affect the availability of homes within the private rental sector.
According to Baroness Eaton, pushing the legislation through without proper consideration could have a damaging effect on housing supply.
She warned that it would be entirely inappropriate to rush through significant matters—such as energy performance certificate (EPC) requirements and the powers granted to local housing authorities—during late-night sessions in the House of Lords.
In her view, these critical issues deserve thorough and timely debate rather than being hastily addressed to satisfy the Prime Minister’s ambition to move “faster and further.”
Rushed through
The Renters’ Rights Bill has faced criticism from the Conservative Party during its progression through the House of Lords. During the Bill’s second reading, several Conservative members voiced concerns over how quickly it was being advanced.
Among those raising objections was Baroness Scott, a Conservative peer who plays a leading role on housing matters in the Lords. She argued that the legislation was being pushed through without sufficient time for proper review.
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government dismissed the criticism. They stated that the Bill has already undergone extensive Parliamentary scrutiny since September.
The spokesperson also pointed out that the legislation has been under consideration in the House of Lords for over four months, suggesting there has been ample time for debate.
They added that it is not uncommon for discussions around a Bill to continue into later hours, particularly when there is a desire to ensure its steady progress through Parliament.
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