Recent government housing policy and the private rented residential sector: a review

This paper concentrates primarily on UK central government policy, which relates mainly to England and Wales. Brief summaries of activities in the devolved nations are also included. The government undertook a review of housing policy during 2000, as well as implementing other important policy initiatives, such as the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill and the pilot Tenancy Deposit Schemes. The review was regarded as a profound disappointment by the private rented residential sector, and leaves the impression of a government that does not understand the sector, and does not have the time or the resources to acquire that understanding or think deeply about it. Consequently, it falls back on gut instincts, political preconceptions and token gestures. There are many important questions for the sector with which the government seems not to have engaged. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications