Local MP Vows to Deliver Tangible Housing Improvements for Constituents
Since being elected in 2024, the Member of Parliament for Heywood and Middleton North has pledged to dedicate all efforts to ensuring residents experience the positive impact of a Labour Government firsthand. Housing has been identified as a critical area requiring urgent attention and substantial reform.
Addressing the Social Housing Crisis and a Local Tragedy
During a recent Prime Minister's Questions session, the MP called on the Government to accelerate its Social and Affordable Homes Programme. This significant initiative is investing £39 billion to construct new homes in the regions with the most acute need.
The harrowing case of Awaab Ishak in Rochdale, who tragically lost his life due to black mould in his home, underscores the dire consequences of poor housing conditions. Despite this, demand for safe, high-quality social housing remains exceptionally high, with the borough's waiting list reaching 7,000 households. Alarmingly, some tenants are offered completely unfurnished properties, mere empty shells.
Combating Furniture Poverty and Strengthening Tenant Rights
In response, the MP is collaborating with the "End Furniture Poverty" charity to convene major local landlords. The goal is to challenge them to provide basic furniture, transforming a house into a functional home. This support is particularly vital for vulnerable individuals, such as those escaping domestic abuse, for whom an empty, cold property can be profoundly demoralising.
For private tenants, the Labour Government has enacted the landmark Renters' Rights Act. This legislation introduces a "decent homes standard" to combat damp and mould, limits rent increases to once annually, abolishes "no-fault" evictions, establishes indefinite tenancies, and grants tenants the right to request pets. A forthcoming national landlord register will ensure greater accountability, leaving no place for exploitative landlords to hide. These measures represent the most significant enhancement of tenants' rights in generations and will come into force on 1st May this year.
Support for Homeowners and Enforcement of Safety Standards
Homeowners have faced challenges from exorbitant leasehold fees and soaring mortgage rates, partly a legacy of the previous government's economic policies. While interest rates are now decreasing, making mortgages hundreds of pounds cheaper annually compared to last year, further relief is coming. The Government is capping ground rents at £250 per year, potentially saving affected homeowners hundreds or even thousands of pounds. For the approximately 40% of local residents who own their homes, these financial changes will translate into meaningful monthly savings.
Concurrently, "Awaab's Law" imposes a strict new duty on social housing landlords. They are now legally required to repair dangerous hazards, such as severe mould, within 15 days—a mandate for actual fixes, not merely initiating assessments or paperwork.
The MP's message is clear: housing standards can and will be improved, and this Government is committed to delivering on that promise for all residents in Heywood and Middleton North and across the Rochdale borough.
