Downing Street later said rent controls were not being considered.
“Picking up on the news that the secretary of state for housing, Steve Reed, has dismissed any prospect of introducing rent controls across England will be welcome news for many directly involved in providing much-needed housing stock within the private rented sector,” said Timothy Douglas (pictured right), head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark.
“Insight from across the UK, and especially from Scotland, has consistently shown rent controls deter investment, constrain supply, and decrease choice for many tenants. In addition, wider issues are also continuing to influence the domestic economy, applying additional pressures on landlords and would risk pushing the sector to the brink of collapse.
“The UK government needs to focus all attention on encouraging investment across the private rented sector, to keep pace with current and future demand. It is vitally important that there is a joined-up approach and government departments are working together to deliver this.”
The issue comes as Keir Starmer and Reeves face pressure to limit the effect of rising inflation. The Bank of England is expected to raise its inflation forecasts this week, although markets expect interest rates to remain at 3.75%.