UK's Reeves, asked about a rent freeze, says she wants to help tenants
Rachel Reeves Responds to Questions on Rent Freeze and Support for Tenants
By David Milliken and William Schomberg
Government's Position on Rent Freeze
LONDON, April 28 (Reuters) - British finance minister Rachel Reeves said on Tuesday she would do everything possible to help people renting their homes in the private sector, after a report that she is considering a one-year freeze on rent increases.
Reeves' Commitment to Tenants
"I will do everything in my power and use every lever we have to bear down on the cost of living, including for people in the private rented sector," Reeves told parliament when asked about the possibility of a rent freeze.
Media Reports and Policy Considerations
The Guardian newspaper said on Monday that Reeves was considering a one-year rent freeze on rents for housing in the private-sector to support tenants hit by inflation caused by the Iran war.
Parliamentary Discussion and Broader Support Measures
Expanding Rights for Renters and Homeowners
Reeves told parliament that the government had given more rights to renters while homeowners with mortgages would benefit from cuts to borrowing costs, after Labour lawmaker Yuan Yang asked her to examine the case for freezing rents.
Impact of Middle East Conflict on UK Constituents
"We will do everything we can to also help people in the private rented sector because we must ensure that this conflict in the Middle East does not result in our constituents being poorer," Reeves said.
Political Reactions to Rent Freeze Proposal
Green Party's Support for Rent Freeze
The Green Party - which is challenging Labour in many urban districts in municipal elections next week - has spoken favourably about freezing rents.
Conservative Party's Criticism
However, a possible freeze was criticised by the opposition Conservative Party which said it was likely to cause more landlords to sell up, reducing the supply of housing for those with no option to buy their own home.
"A rent freeze would just drive more landlords from the market and lead to further big hikes in rents for new tenants, as seen in Scotland," Conservative housing spokesperson James Cleverly said.
(Reporting by David MillikenWriting by William Schomberg)
