A new campaign by Generation Rent is encouraging private renters to press the new Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner, for a rent freeze. The campaign group has launched a postcard drive, asking the government to restrict rent increases by landlords.
Generation Rent argues that England has not seen what it describes as proper rent controls since 1988. The organisation claims that the number of private renters has increased by approximately 1,200% over that period.
The group highlights that if grocery prices had risen at the same rate as rents, a basic 10-item food shop would now cost nearly £120, which it says is more than five times current prices. Generation Rent also states that over a third of private renters are living in poverty and argues that another inflation spike would further pressure households.
The campaign is utilising physical postcards, allowing renters to include their personal experiences before the cards are sent to the Housing Secretary. Generation Rent believes that printed correspondence with personal accounts is more likely to be retained by politicians and can be a more effective way to reach decision-makers.