The Homes (Fitness for Habitation and Liability for Housing Standards) Bill passed second reading on 19 January, with a unanimous vote. The debate (interrupted by a Ministerial statement) is here and here.
Because I can’t resist, here are Karen Buck’s closing remarks and the vote. (Out of shot – me being ecstatic in the gallery)
The Bill will now go to committee – no fixed date yet – with a good following wind and cross party support. With luck, it might even be in force before the end of the year.
Remarkably, the Bill has public support from not only Shelter, Generation Rent, the CIEH, Mind, and Citizens Advice, but also the Residential Landlords Association, the National Landlords Association, the National Federation, and Association of Residential Letting Agents. So basically everybody.
Karen carried off a remarkable feat of campaigning, organising and political operating. For an opposition private member’s Bill to attract both shadow front bench and Government support is rarer than a hen with dental problems.
And I’d also like to thank Karen for her thanks. The Bill has been a pleasure to work on and working with Karen has been a joy. (After all, how many MPs get housing law?)
Onwards…