No-fault eviction ban by next election, Michael Gove promises
Housing Secretary Michael Gove has assured that by the next UK general election, slated for January 2025 at the latest, no-fault evictions will be banned in England.
The pledge, initially made by the Conservatives in 2019, awaits the implementation of court system improvements for action.
Deliberations on the Renters (Reform) Bill, which includes the prohibition of no-fault evictions, commenced in Parliament in October, yet it hasn't passed. Gove committed to not only banning them but also to funding court enforcement.
The proposed legislation will limit landlords' eviction rights to specific situations, such as personal use of the property or sale intentions. The National Residential Landlords Association demands faster legal processes for legitimate evictions.
Despite assurance to Conservative MPs about waiting for judicial reforms, Labour criticizes the delay as mishandling. Gove highlights the necessity to address no-fault eviction misuses, which some landlords leverage for rent hikes or to quiet complaints.
Activist Tom Darling and Labour's Angela Rayner are holding the government to its promise while castigating its slow progress.
Regarding housing, Gove acknowledges the shortfall in meeting the 300,000 annual home construction target. Acknowledging the necessity for increased efforts, he indicates plans to promote conversions and development on previously used land, anticipating substantial new housing.
Upcoming policies may incentivize developer investments in brownfield sites and facilitate the repurposing of structures like offices into housing, as efforts intensify to fulfill housing promises.