In a surprise move, Housing Secretary Michael Gove has given the stand-in leader of activist group Generation Rent a prime role in the launch of the Renters Reform Bill.

The launch statement from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has four bodies quoted giving some level of support for the Bill – Generation Rent is first and arguably the most fulsome in its praise.

Dan Wilson Craw – acting director of Generation Rent – says: “The Renters’ Reform Bill is a huge opportunity to improve the lives of the 11 million people who now rent from private landlords in England. 

“Arbitrary Section 21 evictions make it impossible for tenants to put down roots and report problems about their home with confidence. Abolishing them will take away much of the stress of renting and improve communication and trust between tenants and landlords. 

“The new Property Portal and Ombudsman have the potential to make it much harder for criminal landlords to operate.

“These reforms wouldn’t be happening without the tireless campaigning of members of the Renters Reform Coalition and thousands of renters over many years. We look forward to reading the Bill and working with ministers and parliamentarians to make sure the legislation achieves what it sets out to do.”

Battersea Cats and Dogs Home also gets a say in the launch statement from DLUHC. 

Michael Webb, Head of Policy & Public Affairs at the home, comments: “Tenants being unable to find anywhere to rent with their pet is sadly one of the most common reasons people bring their animals to Battersea. 

“Not only will this Bill bring us one step closer to significantly reducing the number of dogs and cats we see being needlessly separated from their owners, it will also open up the many joys of pet ownership to millions of renters in the future. 

“As this Bill now begins its journey through Parliament, we look forward to continuing to work with the Housing department, tenants and landlords to help ensure a fairer rental sector for pets and people alike.”