Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield, attended an event in Parliament run by housing charity Shelter that highlighted the need for substantive housing reform.

The cost-of-living crisis influencing already high rents within the private rented sector and lack of social housing, Shelter is calling for the government to do more.

At the event, Toby met with staff from the charity and learnt of the personal stories of many who have suffered with substandard accommodation and high rents. Shelter is calling for increased level of social housing with improvements in the condition of many properties. The charity is also calling for legislation to end section 21 or ‘no fault evictions’ and a guarantee of standards and quality for private renters.

Toby said “It was great to be able to meet with Shelter and attend this event. I was able to learn more about the hard work that the charity is doing to support tenants in improving conditions and pushing the government to do more.”

He continued “The government have continued to promise action on the issue of section 21 evictions and general reform in the sector but have yet to act. It is important that we recognise the Conservative record on this. They have tried to block repealing of the Vagrancy Act, blocked Labour’s call for making housing ‘fit for human habitation’ and have been slow to deal with the cladding crisis for many renters and homeowners. I am proud to support the work of Shelter and will continue to champion the important reforms to solve our housing crisis.”