Newly appointed Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing questions about her compliance with property regulations after it emerged she has been renting out a London home without the mandatory selective licence required in the area.
Licensing Oversight in Westminster
The Labour MP, who recently took on one of the most powerful roles in government, owns a property in Westminster that falls within a designated selective licensing area. These schemes require landlords to obtain special permission from the council to rent out properties, aimed at improving housing standards and management.
According to documents seen by The Independent, there is no record of Ms Reeves holding the necessary licence for her Westminster property, despite it being rented out to tenants.
Political Scrutiny Intensifies
The revelation comes at a sensitive time for the new Chancellor, who has positioned herself as a champion of responsible economic management. Property experts suggest the oversight could prove embarrassing for the senior minister.
"All landlords operating in designated areas have a legal responsibility to ensure they have the correct licensing," explained one housing policy expert. "For someone in such a high-profile position overseeing the nation's finances, this raises questions about attention to regulatory detail."
What Are Selective Licensing Schemes?
Selective licensing was introduced to address problems in the private rental sector, including:
- Poor property conditions
- Anti-social behaviour
- Inadequate property management
- Community concerns about rental properties
Landlords operating without the required licence can face significant penalties, including unlimited fines and restrictions on evicting tenants.
Broader Implications
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between politicians' personal financial interests and their public policy roles. With housing remaining a critical issue for many Britons, the scrutiny of ministers' own property dealings is likely to continue.
Westminster Council confirmed that properties in the designated areas require selective licences but declined to comment on individual cases, citing data protection regulations.
