Plans for abolishing section 21 evictions welcomed at Renters (Reform) Bill Committee stage – London Wallet

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has welcomed, in principle, the proposals for a ban on section 21 evictions and for a new property portal but believes that the platform will not remove the need for the UK government to make it easier for councils in England to use selective licensing schemes to improve housing conditions.

The CIEH supported one of its expert members to give oral evidence to a committee of MPs scrutinising the Renters (Reform) Bill yesterday.

Dr Henry Dawson, a member of the CIEH Housing Advisory Panel who is also a senior lecturer in Housing and Public Health at Cardiff Metropolitan University, gave oral evidence to the Renters (Reform) Public Bill Committee.

It was argued that selective licensing schemes involve designated areas where privately rented properties have to be licensed with the local authority.

Dr Dawson highlighted to the committee the shortage of environmental health professionals to enforce housing standards in the private rented sector and the need for consistency in funding of the profession.

He also emphasised the role played by licensing in providing sustainable and predictable funding for enforcement.

The oral evidence session can be viewed here.

Louise Hosking, executive director of environmental health at the CIEH, said: “We are delighted that one of our advisory panel members has had the opportunity to provide evidence to MPs on this crucial piece of primary legislation.

The oral evidence session has also provided us with an excellent platform to promote the work of the profession to a wider audience.

“This is a tangible example of how we are making the voice of the profession heard at national level.”