The Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, has announced a series of measures to protect renters and improve housing standards.
These include tackling issues such as fire defects, damp and mould by including a new law aimed at ensuring landlords respond to reports of hazards swiftly.
Set out at last month’s Labour Party conference, the proposed legislation – Awaab’s law – is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died as a result of direct exposure to mould in the social home his family rented in Rochdale.
Ms Rayner also announced plans to accelerate efforts to fix unsafe cladding on high-rise buildings across the UK.
In addition, she laid out intentions to consult on a new decent homes standard for all social and private rented homes.
Cllr Adam Hug, LGA Housing Spokesperson, said: “Councils are committed to addressing the challenges of unfit housing and want their residents to have the security of a safe and well-maintained home, with any issues quickly and satisfactorily addressed.
“While we look forward to seeing the detail behind this announcement, councils need further funding and support to raise standards in the private rented sector.
“Councils could also do much more if they were given the right tools, such as removing the requirement for Secretary of State approval for larger selective licensing schemes.”