Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says the Renters Reform Bill will be mentioned in today’s King’s Speech – and is part of what he insists in “a brighter future for the UK.”

The Bill was given its Second Reading in the Commons two weeks ago and is likely to win Royal Assent in the spring of next year unless a General Election gets in the way. 

However the government has pledged not to enact the Bill’s flagship measure – scrapping Section 21 eviction powers – until the court possession process is modernised and speeded up.

Nonetheless the Bill will be mentioned in the King’s Speech today as part of the government legislative agenda for the coming year.

A statement from Sunak’s office says: “Legislation will also deliver a fairer and higher quality private rented sector for both tenants and landlords with the Renters Reform Bill helping ensure people live in decent, safe and secure homes.”

Sunak himself adds: “This will be the first King’s Speech in seventy years and the legislation we will bring forward is part of our plan to build a better future for the next seventy.

“Just as I have done with energy security, net zero, illegal migration and HS2, the King’s Speech will take the long-term decisions to address the challenges this country faces, not the easy way out with short-term gimmicks.  

“As we take the necessary steps to halve inflation and reduce debt, we will legislate to grow the economy, by supporting innovative businesses and protecting consumers.

“To make the real change this country needs, we will bring forward bills that strengthen our society, help people feel safer in their own communities and give a sense of pride in the place they call home.”

Sunak’s office says: “The speech will build on progress to date delivering record numbers of police officers and ensuring perpetrators of anti-social behaviour face swift and more visible justice. 

“This is on top of the existing support to the NHS – meaning those who fall sick will get the care they need. With record funding and backing its long-term workforce plan, we will train more doctors, more nurses, more dentists and more GPs than ever before.

“In addition to setting out the legislative programme, the King’s Speech will reconfirm our commitment to promoting and protecting our national interests. 

“Last week’s AI Safety Summit showed how the UK is leading the world to ensure the development of safe AI, and the AUKUS submarine alliance with our partners – Australia and the United States – continues to strengthen global security and will create jobs for people in the UK.”