LGA responds to Shelter report on private renting during pandemic

Responding to a report from Shelter which has found only half of private renters feel safe in their home during the coronavirus pandemic, Cllr David Renard, Local Government Association housing spokesperson, said:

“While the impact of COVID-19 on the private rented sector is yet to be seen, what is clear is the desperate need for the country to build more social housing, which these findings show.

“With more than one million households on council housing waiting lists, the Spending Review needs to give councils the powers and tools to get building council homes again, which would not only help to meet the Government’s annual 300,000 housing target, but reduce homelessness, get rough sleepers off the streets and support people’s wellbeing.

“This includes reforming Right to Buy and allowing councils to keep receipts in full so they can replace any social housing lost, and being able to set discounts locally.”