Chancellor Rachel Reeves has admitted to inadvertently breaking housing rules by renting out her south London home without the specific £945 licence required by Southwark Council. The error was disclosed after being reported by the Daily Mail, and Reeves informed Prime Minister Keir Starmer and parliamentary ethics officers.
Reeves put her family home in Southwark up for rent after moving into No 11 Downing Street last year. A spokesperson stated that while she should have been aware of the obligation, she had not been advised by her letting agency that a licence was needed. Once the issue was brought to her attention, she applied for the licence immediately.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for a full investigation, citing Starmer's previous statement that 'lawbreakers can't be lawmakers.' However, Starmer said he had consulted with the independent adviser on ministerial standards and concluded that further investigation was not necessary, given Reeves's prompt action and apology.
The four-bedroom detached house was advertised for rent at £3,200 per month, and Reeves has noted rental income on her parliamentary interests record since September 2024. The error comes as she prepares to deliver the budget next month, with potential policies including increases in property taxes.
