Latest news with #TenantFeesAct2019
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
Keir Starmer's Government is every bit as chaotic as his predecessors
It emerged earlier this week that the minister had "evicted tenants" from a property she owned in London, reportedly in order to sell it, before re-listing the townhouse for rent with a rent increase of £700 per month. The tenants of Ali's property in Stratford in the east end of London had been informed in November 2024 that their fixed term rental contract with the MP would not be renewed as the house was being put up for sale. However shortly after vacating their former home, the tenants discovered that the house had been returned to the rental market with the monthly rent increased from £3300 to £4000. READ MORE: UK imports of Israeli fruit and veg increase as Gazans die of starvation Ali resigned following intense criticism from homelessness charities and opposition parties who demanded an explanation for the contradiction between the reason the tenants were given for the end of their rental contract and the house being returned to the rental market with a £700 rent markup. Laura Jackson, one of the four people who had rented the property, told the i paper: "It's an absolute joke. Trying to get that much money from renters is extortion." At the time of ending the tenants' contract, the firms which managed the property also attempted to charge Ali's tenants nearly £2000 for the house to be repainted and £395 for professional cleaning. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords are prohibited from charging their tenants for professional cleaning and are prohibited from charging tenants to repaint a home unless serious damage has occurred. Ali has insisted she did nothing wrong and had 'at all times' followed 'all legal requirements' and taken her responsibilities 'seriously'. But she added: 'It is clear that continuing in my role will be a distraction from the ambitious work of the Government. 'I have therefore decided to resign from my ministerial position.' READ MORE: Full list of UK Government departures as Keir Starmer loses his 10th member SNP Deputy Westminster Leader Pete Wishart said that Ali should have resigned "immediately" when the reports emerged. It's all looking terribly Tory isn't it. A gouging landlord is the very definition of the exploitative capitalism that the Labour party was supposedly founded to protect working people from. Following Ali's resignation, the Prime Minister thanked Ali for her 'diligent work' at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, saying it would have 'a lasting impact'. It's certainly going to have a lasting impact on the four former tenants who now have to find somewhere else to live while having a credit record marred by bills for painting and professional cleaning which may have been charged to them wrongly. Ali becomes the tenth member of the government lost by Starmer in the 13 months of his administration, which was elected on a promise to end the chaos and sleaze of the previous Conservative governments. This is a higher number of departures than those registered under his Tory predecessors during the equivalent period of their premierships. Rishi Sunak lost nine Government members in the first 13 months of his time in office, Boris Johnson six, and Theresa May just three. These changes do not include those who left government as part of a planned reshuffle. The only Tory Prime Minister who exceeds Starmer in terms of the rate of unplanned losses of government members is the lettuce PM herself, Liz Truss, who managed to lose three members of her government during her thankfully brief month and a half in office, although that was the least of her worries. Starmer's administration is shaping up to be every bit as sleazy and chaotic as the Conservatives he replaced. John Swinney urges international community to stop Israeli takeover plans First Minister John Swinney has called on the international community to stop Israel and secure a ceasefire in Gaza. His comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel plans to take military control of the entire Gaza Strip. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) His forces will impose military control before eventually handing it over to an Arab administration that involves neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority, which governs the Palestinian controlled areas of the West Bank. There is no Arab government which is willing to collude in Israel's occupation of Gaza. The plan will force around one million Palestinians out of Gaza City into the over-crowded, so-called "humanitarian zone" of Al-Mawasi in the south of the territory. It lacks the resources to adequately feed and shelter those who are already there, never mind one million more desperate, hungry, and traumatised people. Prior to the conflict, Al-Mawasi served as the rubbish dump for the entire Gaza strip – now it's where its people are being dumped by Israel, like so much unwanted garbage. Writing on Twitter/X, the First Minister wrote: wrote: "The decision of the Israeli government to seize control of Gaza City is completely and utterly unacceptable. It will create even more human suffering for the Palestinian people and further escalate the conflict. "The international community must stop Israel and secure a ceasefire." The decision of the Israeli Government to seize control of Gaza City is completely and utterly unacceptable. It will create even more human suffering for the Palestinian people and further escalate the conflict. The international community must stop Israel and secure a ceasefire. — John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) August 8, 2025 The Israeli announcement has been met with widespread condemnation around the globe, although notably not from US President Donald Trump and the White House. In response to the announcement, the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that until further notice, the German government will not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza. The leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, said it was increasingly clear that Netanyahu's goal was 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza. He urged Starmer to cease all arms exports to Israel and sanction Netanyahu and his cabinet. READ MORE: SNP demand recall of Westminster to sanction Benjamin Netanyahu However, Keir Starmer has typically stopped short of anything other than mild verbal criticism of Israel, without any commitment to take action. Starmer has urged Netanyahu to reconsider his plans to take over Gaza City and said the move would only bring more bloodshed. The Prime Minister continues to 'both sides' the issue, saying Israel and Hamas should de-escalate the conflict and agree to a ceasefire, and that the prospect of a negotiated two-state solution was 'vanishing before our eyes' without the two sides 'engaging in good faith in negotiations'. He said: 'Every day the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and hostages taken by Hamas are being held in appalling and inhuman conditions. What we need is a ceasefire, a surge in humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages by Hamas and a negotiated solution. 'Our message is clear: a diplomatic solution is possible, but both parties must step away from the path of destruction.'
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Rushanara Ali quits after reports of £4000 rent hike for tenants
In a letter to Keir Starmer, the Labour MP insisted she had 'at all times' followed 'all legal requirements' and taken her responsibilities 'seriously'. But she added: 'It is clear that continuing in my role will be a distraction from the ambitious work of the Government. 'I have therefore decided to resign from my ministerial position.' READ MORE: Ross Greer demands action on Scottish Israel boycott plan It emerged that Ali had "evicted tenants" from her property in London, before re-listing the address after increasing the rent by "£700 a month". In response, the Prime Minister thanked Ali for her 'diligent work' at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, saying it would have 'a lasting impact'. He said: 'I know you will continue to support the Government from the backbenches and represent the best interests of your constituents in Bethnal Green and Stepney.' Ali's resignation follows reports in The i Paper that she had given four tenants at a property she owned in east London four months' notice to leave last November, and had then re-listed the property with a £700 rent increase within weeks. Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake had called for her resignation earlier on Thursday, accusing her of 'staggering hypocrisy'. The SNP also demanded that Starmer sack Ali "immediately" after the reports emerged. Ali kicked out four tenants from her townhouse near the Olympic Park before re-advertising the same four-bedroom property at an increased price, from £3300 to £4000. Tenant Laura Jackson, a self-employed restaurant owner and one of four people who rented the property, told the paper: 'It's an absolute joke. Trying to get that much money from renters is extortion'. At the time of ending the tenants' contract, the firms which managed the property also attempted to charge Ali's tenants nearly £2000 for the house to be repainted and £395 for professional cleaning. READ MORE: John Swinney to consider imposing state boycott on Israel Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords are prohibited from charging their tenants for professional cleaning, and are prohibited from charging tenants to repaint a home unless serious damage has occurred. The MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney has previously been vocal on renters' rights and has spoken out against 'private renters being exploited". Under Labour's Renters' Rights Bill, the UK Government plans to bring the private rented sector within the minimum standard set for social housing, and would ban landlords who end a tenancy to sell a property from re-listing it for six months. SNP Westminster leader Pete Wishart said that Ali should have resigned "immediately" when the reports emerged.
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Rushanara Ali quits after reports of rent hikes for tenants
In a letter to Keir Starmer, the Labour MP insisted she had 'at all times' followed 'all legal requirements' and taken her responsibilities 'seriously'. But she added: 'It is clear that continuing in my role will be a distraction from the ambitious work of the government. 'I have therefore decided to resign from my ministerial position.' READ MORE: Ross Greer demands action on Scottish Israel boycott plan It emerged that Ali had "evicted tenants" from her property in London, before re-listing the address after increasing the rent by "£700 a month". In response, the Prime Minister thanked Ali for her 'diligent work' at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, saying it would have 'a lasting impact'. He said: 'I know you will continue to support the Government from the backbenches and represent the best interests of your constituents in Bethnal Green and Stepney.' Ali's resignation follows reports in The i Paper that she had given four tenants at a property she owned in east London four months' notice to leave last November, and had then re-listed the property with a £700 rent increase within weeks. Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake had called for her resignation earlier on Thursday, accusing her of 'staggering hypocrisy'. The SNP also demanded that Starmer sack Ali "immediately" after the reports emerged. Ali kicked out four tenants from her townhouse near the Olympic Park before re-advertising the same four-bedroom property at an increased price, from £3300 to £4000. Tenant Laura Jackson, a self-employed restaurant owner and one of four people who rented the property, told the paper: 'It's an absolute joke. Trying to get that much money from renters is extortion'. At the time of ending the tenants' contract, the firms which managed the property also attempted to charge Ali's tenants nearly £2000 for the house to be repainted and £395 for professional cleaning. READ MORE: John Swinney to consider imposing state boycott on Israel Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords are prohibited from charging their tenants for professional cleaning, and are prohibited from charging tenants to repaint a home unless serious damage has occurred. The MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney has previously been vocal on renters' rights and has spoken out against 'private renters being exploited". Under Labour's Renters' Rights Bill, the UK Government plans to bring the private rented sector within the minimum standard set for social housing, and would ban landlords who end a tenancy to sell a property from re-listing it for six months. SNP Westminster leader Pete Wishart said that Ali should have resigned "immediately" when the reports emerged.
The National
3 days ago
- Politics
- The National
UK Homelessness Minister 'evicted tenants and hiked rent to £4k a month'
Homelessness Minister Rushanara Ali kicked out four tenants from her townhouse near the Olympic Park before re-advertising the same four-bedroom property at an increased price, according to an investigation by the i newspaper. The MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney has previously been vocal on renters' rights and has spoken out against 'private renters being exploited". READ MORE: As Ian Blackford considers a return, it's time to look at political comebacks Under Labour's Renters' Rights Bill, the Government plans to bring the private rented sector within the minimum standard set for social housing, and would ban landlords who end a tenancy to sell a property from re-listing it for six months. According to the i, a source close to Ali said the tenants had been informed their tenancy would not be renewed by email and were instead offered a rolling contract. They were reportedly told the rolling contract was necessary as the property was put up for sale. Tenant Laura Jackson, a self-employed restaurant owner and one of four people who rented the property, told the paper: 'It's an absolute joke. Trying to get that much money from renters is extortion'. At the time of ending the tenants' contract, the firms which managed the property also attempted to charge Ali's tenants nearly £2000 for the house to be repainted and £395 for professional cleaning. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords are prohibited from charging their tenants for professional cleaning, and are prohibited from charging tenants to repaint a home unless serious damage has occurred. Jackson said: 'It was really stressful. It was so much money – nearly £500 each! The property was not clean when we moved in; it was ridiculous and unfair.' The fees were dropped once Jackson told the agencies they knew their landlord was a Labour MP, she said. 'If we hadn't known the charges were unlawful, we would have had to pay them. It's exploitative.' Jackson added: 'I just think it's morally wrong that MPs can be landlords, especially in their own area. It's a conflict of interest.' READ MORE: Yvette Cooper under pressure to grant UK visas for 80 Palestinian students After failing to find a buyer, the house was re-listed for rent at £700 a month more, the paper reports. A spokesperson said: 'Rushanara takes her responsibilities seriously and complied with all relevant legal requirements.' Momentum, the network of activists that grew out of Jeremy Corbyn's first Labour leadership election campaign, reacted to the news: "This Government has got its priorities wrong. "It was quick to suspend four MPs for standing up for disabled people. But when the Cabinet minister for homelessness evicted her tenants to increase rents, it stays silent." Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty said: "Rushanara Ali's position surely cannot be tenable. She must resign."
The National
3 days ago
- Politics
- The National
UK homelessness minister 'evicted tenants and increased rent by £700'
Homelessness minister Rushanara Ali has been found to have kicked out four tenants from her Olympic Park townhouse before re-advertising the same four-bedroom property at an increased price, in an investigation by the i newspaper. The MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney has previously been vocal on rights that renters should have and has stated that 'private renters being exploited". READ MORE: As Ian Blackford considers a return, it's time to look at political comebacks She publicly backs Labour's Renters' Rights Bill. Under the legislation, the Government plans to bring the private rented sector within the minimum standard set for social housing, and would ban landlords who end a tenancy to sell a property from re-listing it for six months. According to the i, a source close to Ali said the tenants had been informed their tenancy would not be renewed by email and were instead offered a rolling contract. They were reportedly told the rolling contract was necessary as the property was put up for sale. Tenant Laura Jackson, a self-employed restaurant owner and one of four people who rented the property, told the paper: 'It's an absolute joke. Trying to get that much money from renters is extortion'. At the time of ending the tenants' contract, the firms which managed the property also attempted to charge Ali's tenants nearly £2000 for the house to be repainted and £395 for professional cleaning. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords are prohibited from charging their tenants for professional cleaning, and are prohibited from charging tenants to repaint a home unless serious damage has occurred. Jackson said: 'It was really stressful. It was so much money – nearly £500 each! The property was not clean when we moved in; it was ridiculous and unfair.' The fees were dropped once Jackson told the agencies they knew their landlord was a Labour MP, she said. 'If we hadn't known the charges were unlawful, we would have had to pay them. It's exploitative.' Jackson added: 'I just think it's morally wrong that MPs can be landlords, especially in their own area. It's a conflict of interest.' READ MORE: Yvette Cooper under pressure to grant UK visas for 80 Palestinian students After failing to find a buyer, the house was re-listed for rent at £700 a month more, the paper reports. A spokesperson said: 'Rushanara takes her responsibilities seriously and complied with all relevant legal requirements.' Momentum, the network of activists that grew out of Jeremy Corbyn's first Labour leadership election campaign, reacted to the news: "This Government has got its priorities wrong. "It was quick to suspend four MPs for standing up for disabled people. But when the Cabinet minister for homelessness evicted her tenants to increase rents, it stays silent." Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty said: "Rushanara Ali's position surely cannot be tenable. She must resign."
