Angela Rayner rules out rent controls as she admits 1.5million home pledge getting harder to meet

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has confirmed that rent controls will not be introduced in England as part of the government’s broader efforts to address the cost of living. Speaking during a live interview with BBC Breakfast, Rayner stated that the idea of imposing rent caps or freezes was not on the agenda, citing the experience of Scotland as a key factor in her decision. She argued that the existing Renters Rights Act, which allows tenants to challenge excessive rent increases through tribunals, has already begun to stabilize the rental market. This law, passed earlier this year, enables renters to contest unjustified rent hikes and prevents landlords from engaging in aggressive bidding practices for available housing. Rayner’s comments came as part of a wider discussion on the government’s strategy to tackle rising living costs. During the same appearance, she acknowledged the growing difficulty in meeting the government’s ambitious goal of constructing 1.5 million new homes by the end of the current parliamentary term. Construction costs have risen significantly, adding pressure to an already complex task. Despite these challenges, Rayner remained resolute, stating that the target would still be pursued. When asked directly whether the government would achieve the goal, she responded with characteristic determination, comparing the task to completing a marathon in under five hours, something she described as a personal challenge she intended to meet. The decision to rule out rent controls follows a long-standing position held by Rayner, who previously supported temporary rent freezes during her tenure as mayor of Greater Manchester. At that time, she had proposed such measures as part of a broader initiative to ease the burden on households facing high living expenses. However, her current stance reflects a shift toward relying on legislative reforms rather than direct intervention. The Renters Rights Act, which has been in effect since early 2026, has been praised by tenant advocacy groups for giving individuals greater leverage against exploitative landlords. Landlord associations, however, have raised concerns that such laws could discourage investment in the private rental sector, potentially reducing the availability of affordable housing. The debate over rent regulation has gained renewed attention in recent months, particularly following the expiration of temporary rent control measures in Scotland in late 2025. While the Scottish government had previously implemented strict rent caps, the policy was allowed to lapse, prompting calls for more permanent solutions. In response, Scottish lawmakers have announced plans to introduce new legislation that would grant local authorities the power to designate specific areas for rent control and impose limits on annual rent increases. These proposals have drawn support from figures such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Green Party leader Zack Polanski, both of whom have publicly endorsed stronger regulatory frameworks for the rental market. Meanwhile, the UK government continues to explore alternative approaches to addressing the housing crisis. Housing Secretary Andy Burnham, who has led much of the policy discussion, has emphasized the need for increased social housing construction and has proposed reforms to the taxation of land and property. Last year, he outlined a target of building 500,000 social homes by 2030, a figure that aligns with the broader 1.5 million home pledge. Although no detailed roadmap has yet been released, Burnham has indicated that additional measures, including potential changes to stamp duty, may be considered in the coming months. As the government moves forward, the focus appears to remain on legislative and structural reforms rather than immediate regulatory interventions. With the housing crisis showing no signs of abating, the balance between protecting tenants and maintaining a stable rental market remains a central challenge for policymakers.