Tag: Housing and Communities

The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 20 March 2026.

Forty more communities selected for Pride in Place, with local people choosing how £20 million is invested to strengthen their neighbourhood.

From saving youth centres and repairing playgrounds, to bringing empty buildings back into community use and expanding affordable after‑school activities – the Pride in Place programme has been designed to deliver improvements that matter to residents. And in many areas, neighbours are coming together to protect vital local services and create new spaces that bring people together.

The 40 new neighbourhoods named today join the 244 already taking part, bringing the total to 284 communities across the UK where local people are deciding how investment is used in their area.

As funding now flows to the first communities, work is getting under way across the country to turn plans into action and deliver change people can see in their streets, town centres and shared spaces. Further details will be set out shortly.

Communities Secretary Steve Reed said:

Across the country, people step outside their front door and feel like there is nothing for them: no sense of belonging, no investment in their area, no feeling that anyone is listening. 

Pride in Place backs these people and puts the tools and the money directly in their hands to change that, because strong communities aren’t built for people, they’re built by them. 

These new neighbourhoods are joining a movement that is bringing people closer together, and this government is backing them to do it.

Alongside this investment, the government continues to act on the issues that affect people’s quality of life and is taking robust action to protect families amid global uncertainty.

This includes £117 off energy bills and support for vulnerable households reliant on heating oil to warm their homes, on top of freezing rail fares and prescription charges, and rolling out free breakfast clubs.

Notes to editors

• The Pride in Place programme, including the Impact Fund, now supports 379 areas across the UK.
• A full breakdown of areas in receipt of Pride in Place funding can be found here: Pride in Place – GOV.UK
• The 40 areas have been chosen using an updated selection methodology. We will publish our full methodology shortly. The list of new areas set to benefit, is set out below

Local authority	Number of neighbourhoods	Neighbourhood names
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole	3	West Howe, Boscombe West, Hamworthy West
Medway	3	Luton, Twydall, Rede Common
Barking and Dagenham	2	Mayesbrook Park & Rippleside, Central Park & Frizlands Lane
Brent	2	St Raphaels, Harlesden
Coventry	2	Tile Hill, Hillfields
Enfield	2	Lower Edmonton South, Enfield Wash
Ipswich	2	Stoke Park, Whitehouse
Luton	2	Central Luton, Marsh Farm
Newcastle upon Tyne	2	Fawdon South, Throckley & Newburn
Slough	2	Britwell, Langley Foxborough
Ashfield	1	Hucknall Westville
Bexley	1	Slade Green & Crayford Marshes
Birmingham	1	Handsworth West
Cannock Chase	1	Cannock North
Croydon	1	University Hospital & Queen’s Road
Derby	1	New Normanton
Exeter	1	Heavitree East & Whipton South
Gloucester	1	Matson & Robinswood
Greenwich	1	Thamesmead Birchmere Park
Manchester	1	Moss Side West
Newham	1	Little Ilford East
Rushmoor	1	Mayfield
Sandwell	1	Tividale
Stevenage	1	St Nicholas
Stoke-on-Trent	1	Bradeley & Chell Heath
Thurrock	1	Tilbury
Walsall	1	Brownhills
Wolverhampton	1	Waterloo Road

The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 9 March 2026.

Some voters in England will be able to cast their ballot in a shopping centre and on weekends as part of plans to make voting easier and more convenient for people during May’s local elections.

The way we vote at the polling booth has not changed since 1872. Four areas are taking part in new pilots which will give people more choice over where and when they vote, by turning popular venues into polling booths and letting people vote before polling day.

In Milton Keynes, voters can have their say in the city’s main shopping centre – Midsummer Place – rather than being restricted to a single designated polling station. This could eventually be rolled out across the country in future elections along high streets and in town centres.  

People in Cambridge, Tunbridge Wells and North Hertfordshire will be able to cast their vote in person ahead of the election, including on the weekend. This will stop people being limited to just one polling day.  

Voters in these places will be able to visit central buildings across their area at a time that suits them, such as the Guildhall in Cambridge’s city centre.  

This will make voting more convenient, accessible and efficient for local people – and could eventually happen in all UK elections.   

Minister for Democracy Samantha Dixon said:  

The way we vote in person has not adapted to people’s busy lives, with voters often given no choice but to cast their ballot at strictly set polling stations within limited hours.

Our trials will make polling days more convenient and test out the first real changes for over 100 years, bringing our democracy into the 21st century.

Further plans for future pilots could include mobile voting stations that travel to different locations, potentially including care homes, universities, or community centres. Other plans could include voters casting their vote at any polling station within the local authority area rather than being restricted to a designated location.  

At the same time the integrity and security of the UK’s voting system will continue to be protected, with participating local authorities using existing safeguards, and robust technology, with strong support from the government throughout. 

Local authorities will continue to operate traditional polling stations alongside the new options, and people will still be able to vote by post or proxy, meaning voters can choose the method that works best for them. 

This comes alongside the government’s landmark Representation of the People Bill which reduces barriers to participation including a landmark change to give votes to 16 year olds, along with tougher rules on political donations to tackle risks around foreign interference in our democracy.

Peter Stanyon, Chief Executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, said:  

These pilots are a great start to exploring different ways to offer electors greater choice about when and where they cast their vote. Weekend and early voting, plus voting hubs at places like shopping centres, are used to good effect in many democracies and we hope will also be successful here. Well done to the election teams who have stepped up to take these pilots forward, we look forward to learning from you.

William Benson, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Tunbridge Wells borough said:  

I am very pleased that Tunbridge Wells is part of the pilot scheme. It’s important that every eligible elector uses their vote and three hubs in key locations across the borough will make it even easier. 

Voters can be assured these new arrangements are just as secure as the polling stations they’re used to, and the same helpful staff will be there to guide people through the process.

Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Pete Marland said: 

Milton Keynes is proud to be leading the way as the UK’s first pilot area for a central voting hub, making it easier and more convenient for people to vote. We’re committed to improving democratic participation, and this innovative approach will give residents greater flexibility.

Melanie Stimpson, Democratic Services Manager and Returning Officer for North Hertfordshire said: 

We are very pleased to have been selected to take part in the flexible voting pilots. We know that people lead busy lives and face real challenges in finding time to vote.  Being able to explore new approaches is important to understand how we can better support of residents and collaborate our Council priorities of thriving committees and accessible services.

Robert Pollock, Returning Officer for the City of Cambridge:  

Cambridge is renowned for science and tech innovation. We want to bring that mindset to test how we can make voting more inclusive and convenient for all our residents. We already have higher than average turnout in Cambridge. I’d really like this trial to help us get to over 40% at the May local elections.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing on 9 March 2026.

The government is launching a rallying call for action, setting out the first steps towards a more connected, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom.

Millions of families, friends and neighbours will feel a stronger sense of community, unity and national pride thanks to renewed efforts to stamp out extremism, hate and division announced today.

Today the government is launching a rallying call for action, setting out the first steps towards a more connected, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom – a place where neighbour continues to look out for neighbour and people come together with a shared sense of values, pride, and belonging.  

The action plan follows decades of rapid change – technological advancements, demographic change, local industries collapsing, the increasing cost of living and the decline of vital public services. This has caused a strain on social cohesion. Bad actors, including from abroad, have sought to stoke community tensions and promote toxic division and extremist ideology in our communities. 

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed will tell the House of Commons:   

Today, through the publication of Protecting What Matters, we set out the first steps towards a more confident, cohesive, and resilient United Kingdom. This plan is what patriotism means to this government. We choose to celebrate our national successes and historic achievements, we choose to come together in the best of times and the worst of times, and we choose to take on those who try to divide us.

This publication – Protecting What Matters – puts the emphasis on healing divided communities, setting out clear expectations around what it means to live together and integrate into society, tackling those trying to subvert our shared values and ultimately promoting pride, unity and tolerance.   

This comes as the latest statistics show that hate crime is rising, with Jewish people disproportionately more targeted by hate crime than any other group.  

To tackle antisemitism head on, the government is investing at record levels to scale up security at synagogues and schools, clamping down on antisemitic extremism, and rolling out training on antisemitism in the workplace.  

Religious hate crimes targeted at Muslims are also at record levels, with almost half of these crimes targeted towards the Muslim community and many living in fear that they will be targeted because of how they look or assumptions over where they come from.  This government has a duty to act but cannot tackle something that has not been defined.  

The government is taking the historic step of adopting a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility which makes it clear what is unacceptable prejudice, discrimination and hatred directed at Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim.   

Crucially, this definition protects the fundamental right to freedom of speech while protecting people from unacceptable abuse and violence. A special representative on anti-Muslim hostility will also be appointed to support action to strengthen understanding, reporting and response.   

This sits alongside a new suite of measures to bring communities across the country together:  

• Tough action on extremism with stronger powers to shut down charities promoting extremism and transformed capability to disrupt extremists, including stopping hate preachers entering the UK, and an annual State of Extremism report.   
• Clear expectations will be set around integration for people looking to settle in the UK, focused on shared language, local participation and respect for shared values. To support this, the Government will look at how English is taught, and if new technology can help more people can speak the language confidently.   
• A £500,000 investment in community-led school linking projects will bring children from different backgrounds together, helping them forge friendships and understand what they have in common. And tougher oversight of home education – including the first-ever mandatory register of children not in school – will ensure no child misses out on the shared values and experiences that bind communities together. 

This all builds on the £5.8 billion committed to hundreds of areas through the Pride in Place programme, with power put in the hands of local people.  

The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 12 February 2026.

Foreign actors will no longer be able to use their money to interfere in the UK’s elections, as part of the biggest expansion of democratic participation in a generation

• New rules, set out in the Representation of the People Bill introduced today, will provide greater transparency and security around political donations, alongside extending voting rights in all UK elections to 16- and 17-year-olds
• Sweeping measures will create a fair, secure and inclusive democracy, while delivering on government manifesto commitments
• Small number of local authorities to test new flexible ways to make voting simpler, including opening up polling booths in train stations or supermarkets

Foreign actors will no longer be able to use their money to interfere in the UK’s elections, as part of the biggest expansion of democratic participation in a generation being delivered through the Representation of the People Bill – introduced to Parliament today.

Landmark changes to boost transparency and accountability in politics will begin being put into law through a wide package of political finance reforms – including strengthened rules on company donations, new “Know Your Donor” guidance, and tighter requirements for unincorporated associations.

The measures will reinforce the government’s zero-tolerance approach to foreign interference in UK democracy, with growing international threats highlighting the needs for action.

Recent cases – including former MEP Nathan Gill, and Christine Lee, the UK-based lawyer, identified as working covertly on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party – underline the need for strong action.

The reforms will mean companies making political donations will be required to show that they have a genuine connection to the UK. This includes demonstrating that they are headquartered in the UK, majority owned or controlled by UK electors or citizens and have generated sufficient revenue to cover the donation – closing down foreign actors’ ability to use shell companies to influence UK politics.

The Bill will also extend voting rights in all UK elections to 1.7 million 16 and 17 year olds, delivering a manifesto commitment and keeping the government on track to introduce sweeping changes before the next General Election.

Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said:  

“The Representation of the People Bill will protect our democracy against foreign interference and give young people the right to vote. 

“Growing threats from abroad mean we must make changes to keep our elections secure.    

“We won’t let hostile foreign states use dirty money to buy our elections. We are keeping British democracy safe for British people.”

These reforms will end the status quo, where a new company registered today, owned by anyone, funded from anywhere, without even a single day of trade, can donate and have influence in UK politics.    

The reforms will also be informed by the findings of the Rycroft Review, which is exploring how we can go even further to tackle illicit money entering our politics from abroad, including cryptocurrencies.  

As outlined in the Strategy for modern and secure elections published in 2025, the reforms will also allow the Electoral Commission to take action and enforce heavier fines of up to £500,000 on those who breach political finance rules – strengthening the foundations of UK democracy.    

Samantha Dixon, Minister for Democracy, said:  

“I know from speaking to so many passionate young people just how keen they are to get involved in our democracy. With democracy taught as part of the national curriculum – millions of young people will have the knowledge and confidence to take part in our democratic process for the first time.  

“This landmark Bill will make their voices heard, while cracking down on those who wish to intimidate people taking part in our democracy and subvert our elections with illicit foreign money.” 

Alongside the Bill, several councils in England will test two new flexible voting options at the local elections in May 2026 – such as polling stations in supermarkets and train stations. By giving voters more choice about where and when they can vote, these changes aim to remove practical barriers that prevent people from taking part.

These seismic reforms will empower millions of younger people to make their voices heard, helping to create fairer and more inclusive elections.  Votes at 16 will bring UK-wide elections in line with Scotland and Wales, bringing in the biggest change to UK democracy in a generation.

Further reforms will crack down on harassment and intimidation and make rules around voter ID fairer and more accessible.  

Additional measures include:  

• Much-needed measures to protect candidates, campaigners, and electoral staff from abuse and intimidation, deterring people from taking part in public life. The harassment faced by elected representatives has risen to shocking levels in recent years, with women and minority ethnic representatives facing a disproportionate amount of that abuse.
• This Bill is giving courts the power to impose tougher sentences for offences involving electoral intimidation, as well as removing the requirement for candidates acting as their own election agents to publish their home address. These new measures play an important part in the programme of work being driven forward by the Defending Democracy Taskforce, tackling the harassment of elected representatives.
• The Bill also commits to explore new technologies and the harnessing of existing digital and data capabilities across Government to deliver improvements in voter registration. This will address the gap of some 7-8 million eligible people who are either unregistered or incorrectly registered to vote.

ENDS 

Notes to editors:  

• The reforms in the Bill will be delivered during the lifetime of this Parliament and the government is aiming for these to be in place for the next UK Parliamentary general election.   
• Separately, the Government is partnering with local authorities to pilot two flexible voting options at local elections in May 2026, that will be evaluated before further steps are considered. Further details to be set out in the coming weeks.
• Teaching about democracy and elections already forms a central part of the national curriculum for citizenship at key stages 3 and 4 and can be taught as a non-statutory topic in primary schools. 
• We are going further by implementing the changes to citizenship proposed by the Curriculum and Assessment Review and making citizenship compulsory in primary school
• Our new curriculum will ensure every child can identify misinformation and disinformation from a young age, and learn about law, rights, democracy and government from primary school.
• As part of the Strategy, we will also work with the Electoral Commission, the devolved governments and civil society to consider what additional measures can support schools, colleges, and youth groups to roll out further practical voter and civic education. 
• Evidence from the Scottish independence referendum suggests that lowering the voting age leads to high levels of turnout and engagement amongst young people, strengthening the culture of participation from an early age.
• The Bill’s introduction follows extensive engagement with younger people.
• Eligible Irish companies making political donations to parties in Northern Ireland will be subject to equivalent checks.
• In November the Security Minister told MPs that he will coordinate a new Counter Political Interference and Espionage Action Plan to disrupt and deter spying: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/action-to-disrupt-and-deter-threats-to-uk-as-mi5-issues-spy-alert

Harriet Andrews, Director of the award-winning democratic education organisation The Politics Project, said:

“We welcome the move by the government to extend the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds. There’s a perception that this age group doesn’t care about politics, but after more than ten years supporting young people to engage in democracy, we know they care deeply about the issues that shape their futures.

“As young people prepare to go to the polls, it’s vital that they’re supported by high-quality democratic education. We’re ready to help the next generation of voters build the skills and confidence to cast their first votes.”

Laura Lock, deputy chief executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, said:

“The big change of votes at 16 will bring welcome harmonisation to the age of attainment for all elections across the UK, but seemingly smaller changes will also make a huge difference year-round. This is especially true for the postal voting system which, as we saw in 2024, doesn’t always meet electors’ expectations.

“While we regret it is necessary at all, including electoral staff in measures to combat abuse and harassment is an important step. Intimidation of any kind around elections is unacceptable and threatens our democracy.”

The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 11 December 2025.

The National Plan to End Homelessness has been launched today, and will support the most vulnerable people in our society.

• Launch of cross-government plan to prevent homelessness before it occurs.
• Informed by people with lived experience, frontline workers and the sector, it puts real world insight into action.
• £3.5 billion investment over the next 3 years will ensure action is taken towards ending homelessness and rough sleeping.

Today, the government launches a bold new National Plan to End Homelessness to support the most vulnerable in our society to find their feet and improve their lives.   

Unveiled today and backed by £3.5 billion of investment, this landmark strategy has been shaped by the voices of those who have experienced homelessness as well as those involved in the Inter-ministerial Group on Homelessness.   

As the coldest months of the year settle in and Christmas fast approaches, for many, the harsh reality of homelessness becomes harder than ever – whether for someone bedding down on the street, or children struggling in temporary accommodation. Currently a family is being made homeless or threatened with homelessness every five minutes.   

The National Plan to End Homelessness has three key pledges to be achieved by the end of this parliament – to halve the number of long-term rough sleepers, end the unlawful use of B&Bs for families and prevent more households from becoming homeless in the first place. It will be underpinned by clear, ambitious goals for lasting change, including a duty on public services to work together to prevent homelessness, a boost to the supply of good-quality temporary homes, and £3.5 billion – a £1 billion funding boost over and above previous commitments – to support rough sleeping and support services.  

Today’s announcement follows the Royal Assent of the government’s landmark Renters’ Rights Act, which puts an end to Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions that can often contribute to households finding themselves homeless. Alongside this, the government is investing £39 billion in the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation, helping to give more people a secure roof over their head as part of our commitment to build 1.5 million homes.   

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:   

Homelessness is one of the most profound challenges we face as a society, because at the heart, it’s about people. Families deserve stability, children need a safe place to grow, and individuals simply want the dignity of a home.  

This strategy is shaped by the voices of those who’ve lived through homelessness and the frontline workers who fight tirelessly to prevent it.   

Through our new strategy we can build a future where homelessness is rare, brief, and not repeated. With record investment, new duties on public services, and a relentless focus on accountability, we will turn ambition into reality.”  

Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern said:      

Everyone deserves a roof over their head.  And for those experiencing the worst of homelessness right now – our children – they deserve a place to play and a bedroom to do their homework in. It’s our collective responsibility to make that a reality, for anyone at risk of homelessness, be it sofa-surfing or getting stuck on the streets.  

By working together including government, local leaders, charities, and communities, we can stop homelessness before it happens and ensure that when people do fall into crisis, support is swift and effective.    

The prize is big.  Right now, taxpayers are paying the price of failure, with temporary accommodation costs skyrocketing.  And the next generation of British young people can’t succeed without the space they need.  This strategy sets us on a better path – to save money and change lives.”  

By the end of this Parliament, the National Plan to End Homelessness will:   

• Increase the rate of prevention to protect thousands more households from homelessness. Central to this target is a proposed ‘Duty to Collaborate’, which will be brought forward in legislation for public bodies to work together to prevent homelessness. This builds on cross-government efforts to cut homelessness linked to prisons, social care and hospitals. This strategy sets clear targets on this issue for the first time, including halving the number who become homeless on their first night out of prison and ensuring that no eligible person is discharged to the street after a hospital stay. It also sets a clear long-term ambition that no one should be made homelessness from a public institution.
• Halve the number of people experiencing long-term rough sleeping. For too long, people who have spent years on the streets, often with the most complex needs, have been left with no help. This strategy rewires the system to focus support where it’s needed most. A new £124 million supported housing scheme has been launched to get over 2,500 people across England off the streets and into more stable housing as well as preventing those from getting to the streets in the first place. The Plan also includes a new £15m Long-Term Rough Sleeping Innovation Programme, which will help councils develop fresh solutions, alongside £37 million of funding for a new Ending Homelessness in Communities programme which will increase support and improve the vital services that are provided by the voluntary, community and faith sector at the frontline of this crisis.
• End the unlawful use of B&Bs for families. This will bring relief to the 2,070 households trapped beyond the six-week limit in unsuitable conditions – often in one room and no cooking facilities. The builds on the commitment in the recently published Child Poverty Strategy, which ensures mothers and newborn babies are not discharged from hospital into this B&B accommodation.

The plan will boost the supply of good-quality temporary homes, backed by £950 million through the Fourth Round of the Local Authority Housing Fund. Our expanded £30 million Emergency Accommodation Reduction Programme will also prevent poor quality emergency accommodation being used. The government will work to improve the quality and suitability of temporary accommodation, enforcing strong protections against poor housing conditions, including out-of-area placements.   

An additional £50 million of in-year funding (25/26) is also to be allocated to local authorities through MHCLG’s Homelessness Prevention Grant. This funding is intended to focus on prevention, making sure individuals and households who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness are given the right help to stay in their homes.  

Preventing homelessness is everyone’s responsibility and this strategy makes that clear. Every council will now publish a tailored action plan alongside their local homelessness strategy, including setting local targets on key outcomes, with targeted expert support for areas facing the greatest challenges. The government is also calling on Mayors to lead with ambition, backed by new funding to drive collaboration between councils, services, and partners. This is backed by a stripping away of bureaucracy, simplifying funding for councils and ending bidding processes so they can focus on spending money on meeting local needs.   

To deliver lasting change, we’re launching a National Workforce Programme to equip frontline teams with essential training and expert advice. Progress will be tracked through national reports, overseen by the Inter-Ministerial Group, ensuring transparency, accountability, and momentum as we work together to end homelessness for good.   

This strategy is just part of the way government is supporting people to have a safe and secure roof over their head. Taken together, alongside the reforms to the private rented sector and drive to build the homes the country needs, the government is committed putting a stop to the threat of homelessness for families and individuals across the country.   

The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 4 December 2025.

More homes, better high streets and support for businesses are on the way as six fast-tracked devolution areas have secured multi-billion-pound funding.

• Six regions set to get their own mayors through devolution will share almost £200 million every year for three decades, to build more of the 1.5 million homes promised, enhance high streets and revive their communities.
• Ministers are also considering moving some inaugural elections to 2028 so areas can finish reorganising their councils and help mayors hit the ground running.
• This marks the latest steps forward in the government’s mission to empower local leaders to transform their areas as part of the Plan for Change.

More homes, better high streets and support for small and medium businesses are all on the way as six fast-tracked devolution areas have secured a multi-billion-pound long-term funding package.  

Ministers have confirmed almost £6 billion over the next 30 years, with almost £200 million to be shared each year by the places on the Devolution Priority Programme – which will see them get their own mayors.  

Mayors can spend this funding flexibly on local priorities to boost their area’s economy to create lasting jobs and opportunities. It can also be used to increase housebuilding, including accelerating regional housebuilding programmes and initiatives or bringing more social and affordable homes on the market – helping achieve the government’s 1.5 million homes commitment. 

Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities Miatta Fahnbulleh MP said: 

“This money will help transform communities for the better as part of our Plan for Change.

“It will help new mayors achieve what their areas’ want most, from building more of the 1.5 million homes this government has promised to improving the green spaces that locals love – this is how devolution improves lives across the country.”

Once mayors are in post, the six areas will get the 30-year Investment Funds as part of a wider package of devolved powers and funding in areas like transport, planning and skills.

These are: 

• Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority: £21.7 million per year
• Cumbria Combined Authority: £11.1 million per year
• Greater Essex Combined County Authority: £41.5 million per year
• Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority: £44.6 million per year
• Norfolk and Suffolk Combined County Authority: £37.4 million per year
• Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority: £38 million per year

All six regions will also receive £3m each as a minimum over the next three financial years, in addition to an initial £1m payment in the coming months, to help with the costs of establishing the new mayoral authorities.  

Four of the areas are currently reorganising their local councils into stronger unitary authorities, to create simpler, more effective structures that can better support mayors’ powers.  

These areas are Greater Essex, Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sussex and Brighton. New unitary councils in the four areas are expected to be established in 2028.  

In order to make sure strong foundations are in place ahead of devolution, Ministers have today confirmed they are considering holding inaugural mayoral elections in these areas in May 2028, with areas completing the reorganisation process before Mayors take office. 

This would ensure that new mayors come into office with effective and empowered local government already in place, helping them hit the ground running from day one.  

The remaining two areas, Cheshire and Warrington and Cumbria, already have unitary councils in place. Mayoral elections in these areas will proceed in May 2027 as planned. 

Ministers will continue to work with both areas to bring forward the legislation to create their mayoral authorities.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 13 November 2025.

Historic reforms as part of the Renters’ Rights Act will kick in from 1 May 2026, benefitting 11 million renters across England.

• Countdown begins for the biggest increase to tenants’ rights in a generation
• New protections will also end in-year rent rises, bidding wars and discrimination against families receiving benefits
• Clear timeline will support landlords and letting agents to prepare for these changes

Renting in England will be transformed with a raft of major changes coming into effect from 1 May 2026 for 11 million renters across the country.

Following the Renters’ Rights Act – now passed in law – the timeline for implementing these new legal protections has been published today, giving time for landlords and letting agents to deliver these changes for their tenants.

In just under six months, private renters will no longer face being served with a Section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction notice – a practice leaving thousands vulnerable to homelessness every year. Tenants will be able to appeal excessive above-market rent increases that try to force them out and landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse tenants’ requests to have a pet.

Meanwhile landlords will have stronger legally valid reasons to get their properties back when needed – whether that’s to move in, sell up or deal with rent arrears or anti-social behaviour – delivering a fairer system for both sides. 

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:

“We’re calling time on no fault evictions and rogue landlords. Everyone should have peace of mind and the security of a roof over their head – the law we’ve just passed delivers that.

“We’re now on a countdown of just months to that law coming in – so good landlords can get ready and bad landlords should clean up their act.”

Other changes which come into effect on 1 May will go further to tackle discrimination and financial exploitation, creating a more stable, fairer system for renters. It will become illegal for landlords and letting agents to:

• increase rent prices more than once a year
• ask for more than one month’s rent payment in advance
• pit prospective tenants against one another through rental bidding wars
• discriminate against potential tenants, because they receive benefits or have children.

Alongside the implementation timeline setting out when the changes will take effect, the government has also released advance guidance to support landlords and letting agents.

Councils across England will be legally responsible for overseeing these new rights from 1 May 2026, backed by stronger enforcement powers. This includes tougher fines of up to £7,000 for breaches, rising up to £40,000 if they repeatedly or continue to breach the rules or commit a serious offence. Tenants or local authorities will also be able to seek rent repayment orders, forcing landlords to pay back rent for offences.

After the first phase of changes in May, the Renters’ Rights Act will come in two further stages, with phase 2 (starting late 2026) introducing:

• The Private Landlord Ombudsman – a free, independent service helping tenants resolve complaints not dealt with by their landlord without going to court.
• A Private Rented Sector Database – a new central online place where all landlords must register themselves and the properties they rent out.  It will be rolled out in two stages and the need for landlords to sign up will be staggered by areas across England from late 2026.

More protections to improve conditions in private rented homes will come in phase 3, with public consultations informing their introduction.

This includes introducing a Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time so tenants have safe, secure and warm housing. Extending Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector will also be consulted on soon, to protect all tenants from dangerous homes.

Alongside the Renters’ Rights Act, we will also see an improved Housing Health and Safety Rating System which will better assess health and safety risks in homes and making it more efficient and easier to understand – also supporting work to introduce the Decent Homes Standard to privately rented homes.

And there are also planned new standards to ensure privately rented properties are warmer and cheaper to run. The government has consulted on plans to require all domestic privately rented properties in England and Wales to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) of EPC C or equivalent by 2030 unless a valid exemption is in place. Further details will be set out in the government’s response to the consultation.

Chief Executive of Generation Rent, Ben Twomey said:

“This new law is a vital step towards re-balancing power between renters and landlords and should be celebrated.

“Our homes are the foundation of our lives, but for too long our broken renting system has left renters staring down the barrel of poverty and homelessness. For decades, Section 21 evictions have forced renters to live in fear of being turfed out of our homes, preventing us from raising valid concerns with our landlords. At last we know when this outdated and unfair law will be sent packing.

“This Renters’ Rights Act is the result of years of tireless campaigning from the renter movement, alongside the dedication and strength of ordinary renters. With change on the horizon, I hope that renters across England can rest a little easier tonight in recognition of what we have achieved together.”

Director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, which includes Shelter, Generation Rent, Citizens Advice and ACORN, Tom Darling said:

“Today’s announcement that the end of Section 21 evictions will come into force on 1st May is huge news for England’s 12 million renters. We have fought for this day for so long and to now have certainty about when the last ‘no-fault’ eviction will be is crucial for our members, who will be trying to ensure as many renters as possible are aware of their new rights.”

“In addition, it will be important that the government quickly implement the whole Renters’ Rights Act – including the Private Rented Sector Database and Awaab’s Law – so that renters can feel the full benefits of this once-in-a-generation upgrading of their rights as soon as possible.”

Chief Executive of Shelter, Sarah Elliott said: 

“Today marks a pivotal step forward for England’s 11 million renters as the government unveils its roadmap for implementing the landmark Renters’ Rights Act. This is the result of years of determined campaigning by renters across the country who refused to accept the injustices of a broken private rental system.

“For too long, renters have lived under the constant threat of no-fault evictions. Families have been torn from their communities, with record numbers pushed into homelessness. Too many have been silenced about discrimination and unsafe conditions. Today we celebrate that their voices have finally been heard, and change is on the way.

“But renters must understand that their rights will not change today. The current system remains in place until the new rights come into force from May 1, 2026. Until then, we stand ready to support renters and help them understand the vital changes the Act will introduce.” 

Chief Executive of Crisis, Matt Downie said: 

“The passing of the Renters’ Rights Act was a historic moment. It ushers in a fairer future for millions of renters, with more secure tenancies and protections like longer notice periods to help prevent homelessness. We are pleased to see the government moving quickly and implementing many important protections in the next six months. Evictions from the private rented sector have long been one of the biggest causes of homelessness and this landmark legislation will play a vital role in helping get the country back on track to ending homelessness.” 

Policy and Research Manager at Centrepoint, Ella Nuttall said:

 ”This path-breaking legislation will put renters and landlords on a fairer footing and ultimately lead to fewer people facing homelessness. 

“For far too long, young people have faced a private rental system that is often stacked against them. The Renters’ Rights Act promises to tackle long-standing problems in the rental market and create a fairer, more secure system for all, including young tenants.  

“Ending homelessness would not be possible without private rented sector reform, so this is an important first step, but ensuring there is enough funding geared towards supporting those currently in crisis and a clear strategy from the centre remain vital parts of the puzzle.” 

Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, Emma Haddad said:

“We are delighted that the Government has set an implementation date for the Renters’ Rights Act, so renters, landlords and homelessness organisations like St Mungo’s can plan and prepare for these long-awaited reforms. 

“Homelessness is spiralling, with many people being pushed into homelessness due to the way the private rental sector is currently operating. But from next Spring, renters will gain vital new protections, including an end to unfair ‘no fault’ evictions, which we hope will prevent more people becoming homeless.

“The private rented sector is an important part of the housing system for people moving on from homelessness. At St Mungo’s, we see how difficult it can be for people to secure an affordable private tenancy,  which is why we particularly welcome the Act’s move to end the practice of discriminating against tenants receiving benefits so  everyone has  a fairer chance to find a safe and decent home.  We also warmly welcome the Act’s provisions on allowing pets, which we know can be really important to our clients.

“The Renters’ Rights Act is one important part of the picture, and we look forward to the publication of the Government’s Homelessness Strategy to provide the overarching framework, direction and focus for national and local government and charities like St Mungo’s.  

“St Mungo’s stands ready to work with the Government and the wider sector to create a system that prevents homelessness at all costs, while continuing to provide support to those who need it.” 

Further information

The Renters’ Rights Act Implementation Roadmap will be published on gov.uk on Friday 14 November 2025. Advance guidance for landlords and letting agents will also be published on gov.uk on Friday 14 November 2025.

To ensure landlords comply with their new duties, councils will get:

New investigatory powers to:

• get information from landlords, letting agents and banks or contractors.
• enter business premises and sometimes homes to check compliance.
• seize documents if they suspect wrongdoing.

Expanded powers to penalise offenders:

• with bigger fines for breaches, tougher consequences for repeat offenders and strengthened orders for landlords to pay back tenants (rent repayment orders).

Local housing authorities will receive a share of over £18 million additional funding this year to help them prepare for the changes, with advance guidance to be published on Friday 14 November 2025.

The justice system will also be supported with extra funding to ensure the courts and tribunals have the resource and capacity required to handle these new reforms. This includes developing a new online digital service to simplify the possession process for landlords and tenants.

The government will publish guidance for tenants before their new rights kick in on 1 May 2026.

The government will soon respond to a consultation on extending the Decent Homes Standard to privately rent homes, confirming more details on the standard and an implementation timeline.

Private landlord possession claims using the Section 21 process that are going through the courts on the commencement date will proceed as normal.

After 1 May 2026, the courts will still be able to process Section 21 possessions that are ongoing, for example:

• if a private landlord served their tenant with a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, any court possession proceedings must be made in line with the usual rules and no later than 31 July 2026, when using the Section 21 court process.
• after this date (31 July 2026), the landlord will not be able to use the Section 21 process and must use the new grounds for possession.