Former deputy leader of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, has urged Sir Keir Starmer to take a tougher stance against landlords and freeholders, highlighting the pressures many working households face in the current housing market. Speaking at a fundraising dinner in central London, Rayner said that voters increasingly feel the system is “rigged against them,” according to the Daily Telegraph.
Rayner’s comments come amid warnings that Labour is “running out of time” to shift its direction ahead of May’s local elections. She stressed that housing remains a key issue for voters and that the party must show it is willing to take action on behalf of those struggling with rising costs.
Financial strain on households
The former housing secretary highlighted the growing financial pressures on working families, including professionals who are juggling multiple jobs but still find it difficult to cover everyday expenses. She explained that many people feel overlooked and unsupported, saying: “These aren’t just people you’d normally associate with poverty. These are professional individuals working hard, sometimes holding two or three jobs, yet still struggling to make ends meet each month.”
Rayner added that these households need reassurance that the government is on their side. “People are impatient for change, and I understand that. Personally, I think we have to pick more fights,” she said, calling for a more assertive approach from Labour on housing issues.
Criticism of the leasehold system
Housing policy was a central theme in her speech, with Rayner focusing on the leasehold system and the role of freeholders who collect ground rent. Earlier proposals this year suggested capping ground rents at £250 per year, before reducing them to nominal levels after 40 years, though the leasehold system itself would not be fully abolished.
Rayner was critical of freeholders who, in her view, profit unfairly from residents. “Those who sold the freehold and are ripping people off for no work done – you might as well throw the money in the street. People are being fleeced, and we must stand up for them. This is something we need to keep challenging,” she said. She also criticised some private sector organisations that take large sums of money for services, such as children’s centres, without delivering the promised results.
Calls for rent controls
Tenant groups have echoed Rayner’s concerns, calling for more decisive action to tackle high rents and housing costs. Jae Vail, spokesperson for the London Renters Union, told the Morning Star that Labour is losing support across the country due to what they see as a pro-landlord, pro-developer approach.
Vail said: “If the government wants to regain trust, it must take on landlords and prioritise people’s right to a decent home. This means introducing rent controls to reduce costs and investing in council homes to tackle the housing crisis once and for all.”
A wider message on housing
Rayner’s comments underline the growing tension around housing policy in the UK. Many families, including those in professional roles, are struggling to manage their finances amid rising rents, mortgage costs, and living expenses. Her speech reflects a demand from voters for stronger government action and greater accountability in the housing sector.
By highlighting both the financial pressures faced by households and the perceived failings of the leasehold system, Rayner is signalling a shift in Labour’s messaging ahead of the local elections. She is calling for policies that directly address the challenges faced by tenants and homeowners, as well as a tougher stance on those profiting unfairly from the system.
Looking ahead
With local elections approaching, Rayner’s intervention suggests that housing could become a key battleground for Labour. The debate over freeholds, rent controls, and government intervention is likely to intensify, as voters demand tangible solutions to the ongoing housing crisis.
Ultimately, Rayner’s message is clear: the government must take action to support struggling households and challenge those exploiting the current system. Whether Labour can deliver on these promises will be a defining factor in its efforts to regain public trust and electoral support.
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