Green MP for Gorton and Denton Hannah Spencer has said that ONS figures released today show “just how broken” the private rented sector is.

Spencer expressed concerns that the Renters’ Rights Act has not done enough to tackle affordability, and highlighted a temporary accommodation crisis fuelled by spiralling private rents.

Hannah Spencer MP said:

“The latest ONS figures show how completely broken the private rented sector is.

“The Renters’ Rights Act has not done enough for affordability. The temporary accommodation crisis we are seeing across the country is a direct result of a private rented sector spiralling out of control.

“The fastest rent rises in the North West and North East, at 5.8%, mean hundreds of pounds more a year transferred from families and individuals already stretched to breaking point straight into the pockets of private landlords.

“We need rent controls now, and council homes built at scale. Families in my constituency and across the country can’t afford to wait any longer.

“If Andy Burnham is serious about finally tackling the cost of living, he needs to act now.”