Southwark Labour refuse to take action after Rachel Reeves licensing blunder

Southwark Leader Cllr Sarah King has today refused to take further action over Rachel Reeves’ failure to get a license for the home she was renting out without a license for over a year. 

Cllr Chamberlain pointed out that the manifesto Labour were elected on said they had a “zero tolerance” policy for landlords breaking the rules – so either that represents a broken promise, or the rules are different for Labour chancellors. 

This comes after ACORN renters’ union staged a protest at tonight’s council assembly in relation to the use of bailiffs – chanting “Southwark Council shame on you” and “Sarah King shame on you”. ACORN had previously protested at the Council’s offices over its refusal to take enforcement action over Rachel Reeves’ letting of a home without the required license. 

Cllr Chamberlain pushed the Leader to confirm whether the council would be supporting the tenants right for a full refund of the rent paid to Rachel Reeves during the period that the property was unlicensed. 

Cllr Sarah King replied by repeating the line from the council that they do not take action if a landlord applies for a license within 21 days, and did not address the rent repayment order. 

Commenting, Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:  

“I am shocked that Southwark Labour’s Council Leader refused to back tenants, after Labour opined about residents rights earlier this evening! 

They’re making exceptions for their chancellor, and refused to stand up the tenants rights to reclaim the £38,000 rent rebate they’re entitled to Labour’s housing hypocrisy couldn’t be clearer. Liberal Democrats will continue holding this tired Labour administration to account over its multiple housing scandals.”