Angela Rayner Unveils New Renters’ Protections Amid Political Turmoil at Labour Party Conference

Angela Rayner will unveil new protections for tenants during the Labour Party conference opener

The Deputy Prime Minister is set to begin the event on Sunday by discussing housing issues, amid controversies surrounding the Prime Minister's acceptance of complimentary gifts.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 22, 2024, 1:

At the Labour Party conference, Angela Rayner will announce plans aimed at safeguarding tenants from issues like fire safety hazards, as well as dampness and mold.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who concurrently serves as the Housing Secretary, will pledge to "construct future-ready homes" as she inaugurates the party's inaugural convention following their general election victory.

The plan will introduce an expedited Remediation Acceleration Plan this fall, aimed at hastening the process of removing hazardous cladding from tall buildings.

Over half of the residential apartment buildings recognized as hazardous due to their cladding are still covered with the dangerous materials, four years after the Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017.

The matter has regained attention after the investigation into the catastrophe concluded, revealing that "systematic dishonesty" played a role in the fire that claimed 72 lives.

The government's recent declaration regarding the acceleration strategy was notably lacking in specifics. However, it emphasized a commitment to expedite the removal of hazardous cladding and enhance safety in current residences.

During her announcement on Sunday, Ms. Rayner will also propose a consultation on a new "decent homes standard" applicable to both the social and private rental markets, along with introducing legislation that requires landlords to address repair complaints within mandatory deadlines.

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The provisions were previously disclosed as components of the Labour Party's Renters' Rights Bill. This initiative expands upon crucial legislation that the Conservatives had pledged but later abandoned before the general election.

Legislation concerning housing repairs will be titled in honor of Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who tragically lost his life due to mold exposure in his family's social housing unit in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

The Conservative Party initially introduced Awaab's Law targeting the social housing sector, yet the Labour Party plans to broaden its scope to include the private rental market. They argue this expansion will expedite repairs in approximately 746,000 residences that have documented significant risks.

Before delivering her speech, Ms. Rayner, who has committed to constructing 1.5 million homes within five years, remarked: "Just because Britain is currently facing challenges, doesn't mean they are beyond resolution.

"We are committed to improving the lives of working individuals and demonstrating that politics can indeed make a difference."

"This Labour administration is initiating a series of daring measures aimed not just at constructing the necessary housing for our nation and increasing social and affordable homes, but also at guaranteeing that all residences are of good quality, secure, and adequately heated."

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The address takes place amid a controversy over contributions that risks dampening the positive atmosphere at the party's initial convention after 15 years out of power.

Over the past week, the prime minister has faced criticism for accepting gifts valued at over £100,000, which include tickets to football games, concerts, and high-end apparel.

After extensive media attention, it was revealed on Friday that Sir Keir, along with top officials Ms. Rayner and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has decided to stop accepting donations for clothing expenses.

On Saturday, speaking to Sky News, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that the acceptance of gifts by her colleagues had not been improperly influenced, but she expressed a desire to avoid having discussions about attire dominate the news and commentary.

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She justified the prime minister's actions, asserting that they were compliant with the regulations. She explained that since these expenses are not covered by taxpayer money, it is customary for MPs to accept donations and gifts in kind.

She continued, "We anticipate that our politicians will dress appropriately; we look to them to present themselves well at various functions, acting as representatives of both our community and our nation."

"The key thing is that whenever we receive contributions, whether for this or for any other purpose, we make sure to disclose them and maintain transparency."

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