Resolution passed at CLP GC meeting on 28th Feb

West Ham Labour Party notes:

1. That the number of households in London who rent from private landlords is up from 15% in 2000 to 27% in 2017 and that Shelter forecast that nationally this growth will continue. In Newham it is nearly 50%.

2. The lack of security for private tenants causes unnecessary homelessness and makes it very difficult for private tenants to lead settled lives. There are more homeless children in Newham than in the entire North of England.

3. High rents in this sector cause hardship for tenants and leads to the taxpayer subsidizing private landlords via housing benefit.

4. Nearly half (49%) of Newham residents are in poverty once housing costs are accounted for. [Compared to 27% for London as a whole]. The average monthly private rent in Newham for a two bedroom flat is £1,421

5. Shelter believe that the reasons behind Labour winning in Canterbury and Kensington is due to the number of private tenants voting Labour ( the rent quake).

West Ham Labour Party calls upon the EC of the Party:

1. To hold a campaign day in 2019 for Labour’s proposal to improve the private rented sector (in conjunction with London Labour if possible).

2. To produce campaign materials for constituency labour party branches on the private rented sector.

3. To support an on -line petition being set up by the London Labour Housing Group to call for an end to no fault evictions and rent controls for the private rented sector.

4. To write to and ask the London Mayor to produce a 2020 manifesto commitment to reform of the private rented sector.

5. Campaign for all local authorities to be able to suspend right to buy in their locality due to housing need.