Labour Government Denies Khan Rent Control Powers

The new Labour government has definitively ruled out granting Sadiq Khan the authority to impose rent controls across private tenancies in London, despite Khan's long-standing advocacy for such measures. Labour leader and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reiterated that rent controls are not currently part of the party's policy, although he acknowledges Khan's strong feelings on the issue. While the Ministry of Housing emphasizes a commitment to addressing the housing crisis and enhancing renters' rights, there have been no discussions with Khan about implementing rent controls. Meanwhile, Khan is reportedly shifting his focus towards negotiating for increased housing supply, especially social housing, rather than prioritizing rent control powers. Critics of rent controls argue that they can lead to a deterioration in housing quality and higher overall rents, as seen in recent examples from Scotland and Berlin. Nevertheless, some Labour officials have indicated a willingness to consider rent regulation as part of broader efforts to support renters in London.