Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to become the next Prime Minister following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation, has a long history of advocating for rent controls, raising the prospect of a nationwide cap on rental increases. As Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham co-signed a 2023 letter to then-Housing Secretary Michael Gove urging the government to freeze private sector rents, arguing it would 'immediately relieve pressure on millions of people and halt an eviction crisis'.
Burnham's Stance on Rent Controls
In a speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester last week, Burnham lamented that the government is 'forced to chase rents in the private-rented sector through the benefits system' and expressed belief that 'public intervention where necessary' could 'kickstart the process of change'. While not explicitly pledging to introduce controls, his words have energised campaigners. Burnham, who could become PM as soon as July 20, has put devolution at the heart of his plans, suggesting he may prefer to give local mayors the power to cap rents rather than impose it from No 10.
Campaigners and Supporters React
Clara Collingwood, director of the Renters' Reform Coalition, said rising rental costs 'drain spending out of our high streets and local businesses to sit in landlords' bank accounts'. She told Metro: 'Any attempt to improve living standards that doesn't tackle this head on is like trying to fill a leaking bucket. The government must introduce a cap on rents to give people security in our homes and support happier, more stable communities.' A spokesperson for London Mayor Sadiq Khan, also a long-term advocate, pointed to 6,000 rent control homes for key workers planned for the capital, adding: 'The next step is for ministers to devolve the power to cap rents... And the evidence is clear – Londoners would overwhelmingly back new plans to put a cap on rent increases in the capital.'
Opposition from Landlords
However, Chris Norris of the National Residential Landlords Association warned that the 'fastest way to cripple investment and deepen the UK's ongoing supply crisis would be to introduce rent controls in any form'. He added: 'Wherever these measures have been introduced the consequences have been the same: reduced investment in rental properties, less choice, and worse outcomes for tenants. The most effective way to address the chronic shortage of available rented accommodation is for the Treasury to put effective, impactful pro-growth policies in place which encourage landlords to stay in the market.'
Previous Government Rejection
In April, Housing Secretary Steve Reed told Metro he didn't think 'anyone sensible' would want rent controls, arguing that similar measures in Scotland led to a 'massive increase in rents' each time tenants moved out and reduced available homes. He said: 'We've got a housing crisis, we've got a cost of living crisis – the last thing we want is rents going up and fewer homes becoming available for people to live in.' Some campaigners now call for a cap on rent rises between tenancies, similar to the rule in the Renters' Rights Act preventing hikes for sitting tenants, to avoid that scenario.
Burnham's Campaign Response
A spokesperson for Andy Burnham said: 'Andy has been clear that Britain needs a fundamental shift of power out of Westminster and into its regions and nations, giving local leaders the tools they need to grow their economies, improve public services and tackle the pressures facing their communities. He believes London should have a new devolution settlement, alongside stronger powers for every part of the country. The detail of any new powers will be worked through and Andy will not be setting out specific proposals at this stage.'
