Labour's Decent Homes Standard Delayed Until 2035, Sparking Outrage

Labour's Decent Homes Standard Delayed Until 2035, Sparking Outrage

Labour's flagship plan to enforce decent homes standards for landlords in England has been significantly delayed, with implementation now not expected until 2035. This decision has ignited fury among Labour MPs and renters' rights campaigners, who are describing it as a profound betrayal of vulnerable tenants.

Renters Cannot Wait a Decade for Safe Housing

Campaigners are warning that renters simply cannot afford to wait a decade for safe and habitable housing. The delay means that Labour would need to secure victory in the next two general elections to oversee the full implementation of this key manifesto promise. This timeline has raised serious questions about the government's commitment to addressing the housing crisis with urgency.

Similar Retreat on Leasehold Pledge

The watering down of the decent homes standard follows a similar change to another housing policy. A pledge to scrap ground rents for leaseholders has now been modified, with rents being capped at £250 instead of being abolished entirely. This pattern of retreat has left many supporters disillusioned with the government's approach to housing reform.

Government Cites Landlord Challenges

The government has sought to justify the delay by acknowledging the significant challenges faced by landlords in meeting the new standards. However, this explanation has done little to quell the anger, especially amidst reports that numerous MPs, including those from the Labour Party, are landlords themselves. Critics argue that this creates a potential conflict of interest and undermines the push for robust tenant protections.

The delay until 2035 represents a major setback for efforts to clamp down on damp, mouldy, and unsafe homes across England. With renters' groups vowing to continue their fight, the political fallout from this decision is likely to intensify in the coming months.