Top Labour figure plans expanded ‘ethical lettings ...

Greater Manchester’s Labour Mayor, Andy Burnham, says he wants to clamp down on the private rental sector.

In his manifesto for next month’s elections, where he is seeking a second term, Burnham pledges to introduce a £1.5m Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter in partnership with the city’s 10 district councils to support landlord licensing and “drive up standards” in rented accommodation.

Burnham says: “We need to make it much easier for tenants to find out whether landlords are prepared to sign up to the basic standards required by the charter.”

He continues: “As part of this, we will support our 10 districts to develop landlord licensing schemes and ask Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to support with enforcement of safety standards.”

The former Labour Cabinet minister also wants an expansion of Manchester’s so-called Ethical Lettings Agency ‘Let Us’.

Burnham states: “I recognise the vital role of good landlords to help us provide decent, safe and affordable properties for people who really need a place to call home.

“Let Us - The Greater Manchester Ethical Lettings Agency, is making a positive impact to local housing sector by delivering services that benefit landlords and tenants.

“We’ve been working hard to link private rented homes with the households who need them and Let Us are leading us on that journey by increasing access to affordable private rented properties across the region. Let Us are helping landlords to maximise the social impact their homes can deliver.”

The Mayor also pledged to work with the various Greater Manchester councils and housing partners to develop plans to build 30,000 zero-carbon homes for social rent.