Private Rented Sector

Part of Opposition Day — [2nd Allotted Day] – in the House of Commons at 2:58 pm on 25 June 2014.

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Photo of Caroline Lucas Caroline Lucas Green, Brighton, Pavilion 2:58, 25 June 2014

I am indeed suggesting that we should look at stock condition as well.

A living rent commission could learn a lot from the living wage commission. It could set out how much a living rent might be, so that landlords could opt in, just as employers have opted into paying the living wage.

More broadly, I would be interested to hear what other hon. Members thought about the need for a royal commission on housing, with a strong focus on the private rented sector. I do not advocate that lightly, and I know that royal commissions happen only rarely, but this is arguably an issue of such importance that such a move should be considered. Housing policy is central to health and well-being and to our economy. Sky-high rents are a barometer of housing policy failure, which is why we need a living rent commission.