Letting agents urged to lobby new MPs after the election

Letting agents are being urged to lobby new MPs to help shape future housing policy – irrespective of which party forms the next government.

The call to action has been made by Neil Cobbold, the commercial director of PayProp, during a recent webinar.

He says that politicians will be receptive to input, and property professionals should seize the opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions.

Mr Cobbald adds that this was much like what agents did when lobbying MPs to amend the Renters (Reform) Bill.

Importance of engagement with new MPs

Mr Cobbold emphasised the importance of engagement with new MPs during an election webinar for agents hosted by Reapit and PayProp.

He said: “When we engage with those new MPs, we need to show them that we as an industry are the custodians of the real information about the housing sector.

“The more voices the better.”

He adds: “If we can be the expert voices as agents and suppliers, we will be listened to in the coming parliamentary session – just as we saw in the final two years of the last one.”

Next government could be Labour

Webinar co-host Simon Darby from communications firm PLMR, speculated that a Labour government, potentially with a big majority, is likely based on current polls.

He says that such a government would focus on reform and regulation, as these measures do not require substantial financial investment and can be implemented relatively quickly.

Mr Darby also addressed a promise that a Labour government would abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions on Keir Starmer’s first day in office.

He said: “The government will still have to go through the entire process.

“Measures may be in the King’s Speech – there will have to be a period of consultation because it’s a new Bill and then it will have to go through Parliament again.

“It’s probably going to take a year, perhaps two years, potentially.”