Revealed: New Generation Rent chief executive

Holly Williamson has been announced as the new chief executive of Generation Rent.

Ms Williamson takes over from Ben Twomey, who was chief executive for three years.

Her appointment comes at a time when the Renters’ Rights Act is in force, and there is growing discussion around the possibility of rent controls.

Bring experience to the role

A private renter herself, Ms Williamson is expected to bring her own experience of the rental market to the role.

Media reports say Ms Williamson previously ran MP John Healey’s constituency office and is a private renter herself.

On Generation Rent’s website, it says Ms Williamson has a Master’s degree in Politics and recently completed the Graduate Diploma in Law. She is also a trustee of Hopian, a charity supporting survivors of domestic violence.

She said: “Homes are the foundations of our lives, so I’m delighted to join Generation Rent as its new chief executive. The Renters’ Rights Act was a landmark change for renters in England, but there is still a long way to go until every renter across the UK has the good quality, secure and affordable home we need.

“As a renter myself, I’m really excited to get going and make sure private renters’ experiences and needs are heard in the corridors of power across the UK.”

Karen Buck, c hair of the Generation Rent Board, said: “The Generation Rent Board and I are delighted to welcome Holly Williamson as our new Chief Executive, as we enter this critical new phase for tenants. Ben Twomey steered our talented team through the successful campaign to deliver the Renter’s Rights Act and he leaves with our grateful thanks. Now Holly will lead us into the next stage, with its focus on enforcement, tackling the soaring cost of renting and ensuring the tenant’s voice is heard in the democratic process.”

Limit on how much landlords can hike rents

As previously reported by Property118, Ms Williamson has called on the government to limit how much landlords can hike rents.

She said: “Homes are the foundations of our lives. We wouldn’t accept paying such extortionate prices for our food shop, so why do we accept it when it comes to our homes? High rents are backbreaking for renters across the country. It can mean children going to school hungry, families trapped living in temporary accommodation for years, or older renters choosing between heating or eating.

“The cost of renting is like a runaway train with no driver, leaving too many renters as passengers with no control over our lives. With another spike in inflation looming, Andy Burnham’s government can and must act urgently, by bringing in a limit on how much landlords can hike our rents.”