Angela Rayner back at MHCLG - What does this mean for the PRS?

It is doubtful that anyone is surprised that Angela Rayner MP has been bought back into the fray and is back in post at Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government - civil servants welcomed her back and put her official portrait back where it once was little over 10 months ago. There are many schools of thought that feel aggrieved given the alleged misunderstanding over the payment of Stamp Duty, however, there is a job to be done - she knows how the land lies - she is more than familiar with the department and Matthew Pennycook is forging ahead with ensuring the Labour Manifesto for Housing is well and truly adhered to.

But it will not be easy. Landlords are disillusioned, there is lack of stock, tenant groups have achieved their goals with the implementation of Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act, so what’s next? Phase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act will follow anytime from Autumn 2026 to Autumn 2027; Leasehold - Freehold Reform is taking shape, and with Sadiq Khan having the ear of the former Mayor for Manchester, it is likely that ‘rent Control’ will be on the agenda at some point down the line.

Angela Rayner said she was delighted to take on the new role, adding: "Andy Burnham's vision of good growth in every postcode demands we build on the foundations we have already laid to bring the change we have promised. I look forward to returning to government with renewed drive and determination to put power back in people’s hands - and hope back in our hearts." What does this mean? Devolved power to councils? What kind of power will be given to the people? The word ‘Hope” has been used by Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner - telling given the way that people feel about the state of the country.

What does the future hold?

The next general election must be called by August 2029, however the prime minister can choose to hold it at any point before this. Is that likely? Labour has a lot of work to do - housing is a major priority, with a pledge to build 1.5 million homes in five years and a strong emphasis on the housing crisis. Andy Burnham announced his intention to reduce homelessness, but delivery will be difficult without a clear plan and action on skills, planning capacity, investment and sustainability to achieve their promises

There has been a lot of criticism surrounding Angela Rayner, but at the end of Day 1 of her new appointment one hopes that she proves her worth to the PRS.