Developing a strategy for the Private Rented Sector (PRS)

Most local authorities are reliant on the PRS as a source of accommodation to support their homelessness duties, particularly since the commencement of the Homelessness Reduction act 2017.

Given this, it is vital that local authorities shape their strategies towards the sector, and also the housing profession: should the Chartered Institute of Housing be having a greater focus on the sector? This was one of the key questions for the ‘unconference’ organised by CIH in the East Midlands in Leicester in November 2018. It was attended by a range of stakeholders and professionals with an interest in the PRS.

The event could not have been timelier, as the most far-reaching report on the PRS of recent times had been launched in September. Its author, Dr Julie Rugg of the University of York, gave a summary of her research at the event, which then in the manner of ‘unconference’ chose topics it wanted to discuss in break out-groups. These groups provided a range of insights into the issues which face the sector and the people who live in it.

The key points raised in the discussions were captured and summarised for further consideration by CIH. If there was one overriding message from the event (certainly emphasised by Dr Rugg). It is that policy is piecemeal, often disjointed, and a proper strategy is needed for the PRS at both national and local level.