0:05 AM, 22nd February 2024, About 6 months ago 41
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Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former leader of the House of Commons, has launched a scathing attack on the housing secretary, Michael Gove, over his proposed Renters (Reform) Bill, which he called a ‘socialist error’.
The Bill aims to improve the security and standards of tenants in the private rented sector (PRS) and would abolish section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.
During a monologue on GB News (see the video below), Mr Rees-Mogg argues that the bill would undermine property rights, which he described as ‘one of the four great pillars’ of the Constitution, along with freedom of speech, the rule of law and democracy.
He claimed that the Bill would reduce the supply and increase the price of rental properties, as landlords would be deterred from entering or staying in the market.
He also says the Bill will harm the interests of both landlords and tenants, who often prefer fixed-term tenancies and benefit from the flexibility of Section 21 evictions.
Mr Rees-Mogg said: “It reassures landlords that they will be able to get their properties back, and this guarantee increases supply and lowers prices for tenants.
“As an aside, it can also be helpful for tenants.
“Sometimes there’s a difficult tenant who’s annoying the neighbours, and it’s easier to say, ‘I want you to leave under Section 21’ than to say, ‘I’m asking you to leave because you’re difficult’, which then stays on that tenant’s record, causing future problems later on.”
He added: “It removes a stigma that may attach not necessarily to bad tenants, but against ones who’ve had complaints against them. And in this way, everybody gains.”
Mr Rees-Mogg also criticises Mr Gove’s plans to give councils more powers to regulate short-term lets, such as Airbnb, in popular tourist areas.
He said that this would infringe on the rights of property owners to let out their homes for a few weeks and damage the local economy by discouraging tourism.
Mr Rees-Mogg added: “Part of the plan includes a mandatory National Register intended to keep track of short-term lets.
“But what right does the Government have to do this?
“It’s your property, why shouldn’t you let it out for a few weeks? Any serious conservative government’s impulse would oppose the socialist move.”
He added that the housing shortage is caused by the failure to build more houses, not by the lack of regulation and he urged the government to make it easier for people to let properties, rather than harder, to boost supply and bring prices down.
Mr Rees-Mogg points out: “These are arguments that I’d normally expect to hear from the Labour Party, not from a Conservative government.
“The Renters (Reform) Bill is a socialist error that will hurt renters, landlords and the economy. It should be scrapped.”
Watch Sir Jacob give his thoughts on the ‘socialist error’ Renters (Reform) Bill and this is followed by a panel discussion on the issues.
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howdidigethere
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Sign Up14:03 PM, 22nd February 2024, About 6 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Martin Thomas at 22/02/2024 - 11:27
No, this is effect, not cause. The cause is monetary debasement.
From there, all other corruptions and distortions are built.
If we sort this out, then we could turn the tables on all the peoples' material problems.
Hugh Baily
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Sign Up14:51 PM, 22nd February 2024, About 6 months ago
Howdidigethere, I agree.There are a number of causes of the lack of housing.Not least is the fact that housing is a necessity and a right in a civilised society, but it has also become a speculative investment , tending to create illusory profit for the speculator and unaffordable housing for the renters. Now I suggest we come to some unpallatable truths….can you amplify?
Caley McKernan
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Sign Up15:06 PM, 22nd February 2024, About 6 months ago
But the eviction date is there date for leaving. I do not understand the reluctance to follow procedure by landlords. You expect the tenants to leave before eviction even if they have nowhere to go?.
Issue your section 21 properly, request a hearing day after expiration and apply for bailiffs after expiration of order. If, your lawyer or legal advocate told you your rights. You would not go , no I will do so and so a favor. Instead of looking out for yourself.
You are not in housing purely because you want to house people who are homeless. Its business and your business is there home.
Hugh Baily
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Sign Up18:29 PM, 22nd February 2024, About 6 months ago
Daley.
With the greatest respect I think you’re on the wrong page. Am I right?
Hugh Baily
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Sign Up18:30 PM, 22nd February 2024, About 6 months ago
Sorry.
Caley. Typo
Stella
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Sign Up18:36 PM, 22nd February 2024, About 6 months ago
Jacob Rees - Mogg has spoken about the RRB on a few occasions. He gave a very good monologue on the subject in May 2023 when Gove introduced the bill to Parliament.
One of the few politicians who understands the consequences of removining section 21.
LaLo
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Sign Up21:38 PM, 22nd February 2024, About 6 months ago
He’s too late - the damage is done. LLs are quitting now and so are tenants!
LaLo
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Sign Up21:53 PM, 22nd February 2024, About 6 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Southern Boyuk at 22/02/2024 - 08:00
We’ll said. Send that direct to Gove.
Jason
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Sign Up14:16 PM, 23rd February 2024, About 6 months ago
Goto 17:11 I wet myself, Jacob shut him down! looool
JB
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Sign Up14:23 PM, 23rd February 2024, About 6 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Jason at 23/02/2024 - 14:16MP's commenting and voting on this are ABSOLUTELY clueless. (Though the commentator is a former MP)