Conservatives standing up for Crawley's Private Sector Tenants

Tonight at Crawley Borough Council's Full Council meeting, Crawley Conservatives are tabling a Notice of Motion to stand up for Crawley's private sector housing tenants against Labour's Tenant Tax. Below is our Notice of Motion to the Council which is proposed by Cllr Richard Burrett (Shadow Cabinet Member for Housing) and seconded by Cllr Duncan Crow (Conservative Group Leader). The motion is below.

Do Labour think private sector tenants are a soft option to tax?

"This Council recognises that rented accommodation in the private sector is an important part of Crawley’s diverse mix of housing. The Council is concerned to learn that Croydon Borough Council, the nearest Labour-controlled Council to Crawley, plans to introduce a Licensing Scheme for private rented accommodation that risks additional costs of £200 per year being passed on to private sector tenants in the Borough.

Whilst recognising that licensing is required for rented Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), and that such licensing already exists in Crawley, this Council believes that a Licensing Scheme for all properties in the private rented sector risks increased costs being passed on to tenants.

Therefore, in order to bring reassurance to Crawley’s private sector tenants and to avoid putting upward pressure on rents and fees, this Council resolves not to implement any policies in the private sector housing market which:

i.        create additional costs for the sector; and

ii.      risk a reduction in the number or percentage of private sector properties being available to be offered for rent on the open market in Crawley."