A Labour MP says the Renters Rights Act has been long overdue – but he admits it has “knocked confidence” in the housing industry.
Sean Woodcock – Labour MP for Banbury, in the Cotswolds – has written an article on the pro-government Labour List website.
He remains loyal to the government, saying it has made positive improvements to housing, but he also admits failings.
Woodcock says higher construction costs, labour shortages, and planning delays have all contributed to a slowdown in housing starts, “leaving supply unable to keep pace with population growth and household formation.”
Criticality he then writes: “The Renters Rights Act, Awaab’s Law, and the strengthening of protections for tenants are long overdue. However, they have knocked confidence in the sector.”
He goes on to say: “With the rights of renters now strengthened in law, the sector needs reassurance that further significant changes are off the table.”
Woodcock calls for a new version of Help To Buy to assist first time purchasers.
He takes a predictable swipe at the Conservative Party but controversially he then write: “Their suggested scrapping of Stamp Duty is at the level of ambition towards which Labour should aspire.”
You can read the whole article here: https://labourlist.org/2026/02/housing-shortage-bold-action-sean-woodcock/
This article is taken from Landlord Today