A furious row has broken out amongst politicians about Reform UK’s pledge to scrap the Renters Rights Act.

Reform deputy leader Richard Tice says the act has unintended consequences which have led to the contraction of the private rental sector and higher rents. 

But Housing Secretary Steve Reed has attacked the idea, accusing Reform UK of being ‘in the pockets of rogue landlords.

Reed tells The Mirror news website: “For too long renters – of which there are 11m in this country – have been let down and dogged by insecurity. 

“I’m calling time on this and [when the act kicks in] on May 1 the biggest upgrade in rights and protections in decades will be switched on.

“Reform said they would scrap them, leaving renters vulnerable to exploitation. 

“The party that claims to be on the side of normal people showed their true colours. 

“They’re really in the pockets of rogue landlords.”

Reed continues: “These much called for measures will mean renters get the decent, safe and secure homes that they deserve, providing the foundations they need to work, raise a family and build a life. 

“I know that a safe and secure home is more than just bricks and mortar – it is housing that can truly transform a person’s life. 

“I’m determined to end the housing crisis we inherited, build the 1.5 million homes this country needs and give renters the stability and security they deserve.”

But a Reform UK spokesperson says: “Labour’s Renters’ Rights Act has been a disaster for renters. 

“It’s already driving landlords to sell up in droves, slashing rental supply and pushing up rental prices. 

“All Steve Reed and his government has achieved is making renting more expensive and leaving ordinary people desperately hunting for homes that simply aren’t there.”