THIS week, the government introduced the Renters’ Rights Bill. A landmark piece of legislation that rebalances the relationship between landlords and tenants. I wanted to speak on what the Bill could do for Cornwall, and after waiting nearly five hours in the Chamber of the House of Commons, I finally got my chance.

While four years ago less than 20 per cent of homes in Cornwall were privately rented, a quarter of our children and young people were living in rented accommodation. Including a third of our under 5s.

There has been a noticeable uptick in Section 21 evictions in recent years affecting families with young children. A Section 21 notice, also known as a "no fault" eviction, brings a tenancy to an end without the landlord having to give a reason, giving only two months to move out. Partly as a result of this, there are now over 800 households in Cornwall in emergency or temporary accommodation.

Because of our geography, many of these families have been placed in accommodation in holiday parks, caravan sites, and hotels up to two hours’ drive from their home and with poor transport links. This can often lead to families completely cut off from their jobs, schools and support networks.

Under the new legislation Section 21 evictions will be abolished to be replaced with longer notice periods and grounds for eviction. It is vital that the Bill is passed, to provide future protection against discrimination for those in receipt of benefits or with children or who have a pet in their home, with the tenant able to challenge unfair decisions.

Cornwall Council’s Economic Growth Scrutiny Committee did an inquiry into the private rented sector which was published in 2020. That recommended a number of measures: to extend licensing powers; collect data for landlords and tenants; DBS checks; longer protected terms; and limited annual rent increases.

However, in the wake of the COVID pandemic and further local government cuts, the administration of the council changed to a Conservative one who were wary about discouraging landlords, so none of the recommendations were enacted. Even so, the private rented sector was still decimated in Cornwall with many landlords selling up or flipping to more lucrative short term holiday lets. Prices skyrocketed and many people now struggle to find homes.

Statistics also show that 50 per cent of homes in the private rented sector in Cornwall don’t meet the Decent Homes standards. That is way above the national average of 21 per cent.

Awaab’s law forces landlords to follow strict timescales to inspect and repair homes, including those with damp and mould. That, and the Decent Homes Standard, will now apply to the private rented sector for the first time with local councils given the power to fine those landlords who fail to address serious hazards.

I am so pleased and relieved that this Renters’ Reform Bill has been prioritised by this government and will bring in so many of the measures that were in the original Cornish report. These changes will support privately renting families and provide certainty for landlords in Truro and Falmouth and across Cornwall.

Jayne Kirkham

Labour MP for Truro and Falmouth