Housing secretary rules out rent freeze amid Iran war – despite chancellor’s hints at helping tenants
Housing Secretary Steve Reed has ruled out the possibility of a rent freeze for private tenants, stating the government is 'crystal clear' on not implementing such a measure. This comes despite Chancellor Rachel Reeves leaving the option open as part of efforts to ease the cost-of-living crisis, possibly influenced by the economic fallout from the Iran war. Reed dismissed suggestions that ambiguity on rent controls was a political tactic to counter the Green Party's influence ahead of the May elections.
- ▪Housing Secretary Steve Reed stated the government is 'not doing' a rent freeze for private tenants.
- ▪Chancellor Rachel Reeves did not rule out a potential one-year rent freeze to help with the cost of living, possibly linked to economic pressures from the Iran war.
- ▪Reed rejected claims that the government's unclear stance was intended to reduce voter losses to the Green Party, which supports rent controls.
- ▪Reeves referenced the Renters’ Rights Act as existing action to support tenants in the private rented sector.
- ▪The comments were made amid rising political and economic tensions, including the impact of the Middle East conflict on household finances.
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NewsUKUK PoliticsHousing secretary rules out rent freeze amid Iran war – despite hints of chancellor helping tenantsSteve Reed says he is ‘crystal clear’ the government is ‘not doing’ a rent freezePA Reporters Wednesday 29 April 2026 10:11 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2967035","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rent-freeze-controls-rachel-reeves-b2967035.html","title":"Housing secretary rules out rent freeze amid Iran war"}}How renting in London became an unimaginable hellscapeYour support helps us to tell…
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