Abrahams' backing for Labour homes bill

Debbie Abrahams has backed a Labour homes bill

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams MP has backed a Labour bill which will give renters a new legal right to ensure their home is ‘fit for human habitation’.

Abrahams, who made tackling rogue landlords one of her top ten constituency priorities, said: “The new legislation, long campaigned for by Labour, could help renters in 162,000 dangerously unfit properties across the North West.

“The quality of private rented accommodation in Oldham East and Saddleworth is very variable. Nationally more than a third of homes are not up to decent standard and 15-per-cent lack minimal heat in winter and this is reflected in Oldham.

“In addition, the fees charged in the private rented sector can leave many tenants considerably disadvantaged.

“This is why I am working to support Oldham Council’s proposals for a borough-wide Private Sector Landlord Licensing Scheme, rooting out and striking off rogue landlords.

“Nationally, there are over one million rented properties containing the most serious ‘category 1’ hazards, including homes that have unsafe electrics, vermin infestations, or aren’t fire safe.

“The Labour Bill will give tenants new legal powers to enforce their right to a decent home by taking their landlord to court if the property they live in is not fit.

“This is a particularly important for council tenants such as those who lived in Grenfell Tower, because it is councils who are notionally responsible for enforcing standards, but local authorities can’t enforce against themselves.”

This change in the law has been backed by Labour previously and was included in the Party’s June manifesto but has been blocked by the Tories on two previous occasions. However, following a Labour campaign, the government now say they will support the legislation.”

Abrahams added: “Our homes are at the centre of our lives but at the moment renters too often don’t have the basic rights that we take for granted in other areas.

“In practice you have fewer rights renting a family home than you do buying a fridge-freezer, and decisions made by Conservative ministers have made it easier for bad landlords to let unfit homes. As a result, too many people are forced to put up with downright dangerous housing.

“After the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower, it’s even more important that we ensure all homes are fit for human habitation.”