News from Southampton Labour

Denham challenges Tories over tenancy changes

John Denham has issued a challenge to the Tories over proposed rent increases and reduced rights for tenants.

Plans have been hatched by leading Tory councillors and party strategists to make major changes to the rent and rights of council and housing association tenants. Notes from the secret meeting say that tenants in council and housing association housing should have their rent increased by 100% and loose rights.

Itchen MP John Denham has laid down a challenge for the Tories’ Shadow Housing Minister Grant Shapps, as he visits Southampton Itchen today.

Mr Denham said: “The Tories both in Southampton and Westminster have refused to match Labour’s commitment to housing, even though investment in the building industry has kept businesses afloat, created jobs and provided much needed new homes.

“Now the Tories are threatening the security of council and housing association tenants too. Under the Tories’ proposed changes rents would double and tenants could be evicted with just two months notice without landlords having to give a reason. This is quite simply a change we can’t afford.

“My question to Grant Shapps is simple – can he categorically rule out any changes to the security of tenure of council and housing association tenants in Southampton?”