The Labour Party is to launch a major review of the private rental sector, led by the head of a London council.

Few details have yet been released but on Saturday the review was announced by shadow Levelling Up Secretary Lisa Nandy.

The review is to be led by Stephen Cowan, the leader of Hammersmith and Fulham council.

Nandy says: “Housing isn’t a market. It’s a fundamental human right.

“That’s why Labour has set out plans to tilt the balance of power back towards tenants through a powerful new Renters’ Charter and a new Decent Homes Standard.

“Security in your home, the right to make your home your own and most of all the right to live in a home fit for human habitation is non-negotiable.

“I’m delighted that Steve is going to drive forward this work so that we are ready to go on day one.”

In recent months Labour has hinted at the reforms it wants.

Party leader Sir Kier Starmer told his annual conference in October that “Buy to let landlords and second home owners will not get in first in front of local communities” when it comes to buying property.

And Nandy has pledged to put in place a Renter’s Charter within 100 days if Labour won the next election. 

It would end Section 21 evictions; reduce eviction powers for landlords whose tenants are in arrears; introduce four month notice periods; introduce ‘portable’ deposits making it easier for tenants to switch properties; allow tenants to have pets; permit renters to make ”reasonable alterations to a property”; create a national register of landlords; and initiate a legally-binding decent homes standard in the private rental sector.