Leeds Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) lobbied the executive board of Leeds City Council on 9 March when it discussed what action to take regarding the growing private rented sector. The council discussion follows a deputation by TUSC in 2015 to establish a council-run lettings agency as part of a series of suggestions to tackle high rents, poor quality housing and rip-off lettings fees.
The executive board is considering establishing a council-run letting agency.
Iain Dalton, West Yorkshire TUSC convenor, said: “While we are unsure of all the details, we welcome the fact that the council is taking on board our idea of establishing its own letting agency. This could provide a beacon of hope to renters stuck in the private sector who have been ripped-off by letting agents and dodgy landlords.
“At the same time the council is still only taking limited action. Private rented sector average rents are double those in the social sector. That’s why TUSC combined our proposal for a council letting agency with proposals for a mass council housing building programme, something we still believe is necessary as solution to the housing crisis.”
