After a year that saw the planned political agenda completely blown off course, the government has set out its plans. So what’s on the cards for consumers?
How much time have you spent online in the last year? In all likelihood, more time than before. The pandemic has acted as a catalyst for the digitalisation of our lives so it’s no surprise digital issues were a focus.
Spotlight on digital
First up was a
Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill. For years, our investigations have highlighted insecure connected products currently on the market, such as hackable wireless cameras. This announcement is a welcome – and much needed – step to tackle the flood of poorly-designed and insecure products that leave consumers vulnerable to cyber-criminals.
Queen’s Speech: Renters Reform Bill promised again
Her Majesty also reveals government s plans to reform ground rents and planning system plus help more people become home owners.
Nigel Lewis 11th May 2021 3 Comments
4,997 Views
A raft of property legislation to be enacted during the coming parliament has been revealed during the Queen’s Speech today.
This includes modernising the planning system to enable more homes to be built, more help for first time buyers, and a promise to ‘enhance the rights of those who rent’, a reference to the yet-to-be introduced Renters Reform Bill.
Her Majesty also said that the practice of excessive ground rent increases by freeholders would be banned for new leasehold properties, a promise Boris Johnson had already outlined earlier this year.
The mayor of London’s office reported 1,400 complaints to its rogue landlords helpline between March and December – double the previous number – of which one in five were about illegal evictions. An estimated 450,000 UK families have fallen behind on rent or mortgage payments since the pandemic started.
“We need real action to tackle the housing crisis, crack down on bad practices and support councils to build truly affordable homes ” said shadow secretary of state for housing Thangam Debbonaire. “The (government) should follow the example set by Sadiq Khan, who publishes data on dodgy landlords in London, and make the names public so we can all see who they are.”