Renters (Reform) Bill

– in a Public Bill Committee am ar 16 Tachwedd 2023.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

[Yvonne Fovargue in the Chair]

Photo of Yvonne Fovargue Yvonne Fovargue Llafur, Makerfield 11:30, 16 Tachwedd 2023

Good morning. Is it the wish of the Committee that we go into a private session?

Hon. Members:

indicated dissent.

Photo of Yvonne Fovargue Yvonne Fovargue Llafur, Makerfield

I remind the Committee that Hansard colleagues would be grateful if Members emailed their speaking notes. Please switch all electronic devices to silent. I am afraid that we cannot allow tea and coffee during sittings.

We are meeting today to continue hearing oral evidence relating to the Renters (Reform) Bill. Before we hear from today’s witnesses, does any Member wish to make any declaration of interest in connection with the Bill?

Photo of Lloyd Russell-Moyle Lloyd Russell-Moyle Labour/Co-operative, Brighton, Kemptown

I receive income support for my office to operate the all-party parliamentary group for renters and rental reform, and from renters’ organisations. I receive rent from a tenant in my personal home and am on the legal working group of a housing co-operative federation.

Photo of Helen Morgan Helen Morgan Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Levelling up, Housing and Communities), Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Local Government)

I am the joint owner of a house that is rented out for residential lets, and I am a vice-president of the Local Government Association.

Photo of Craig Tracey Craig Tracey Ceidwadwyr, North Warwickshire

I am the joint owner of a commercially let property that is held in a pension fund.

Photo of Eddie Hughes Eddie Hughes Ceidwadwyr, Walsall North

I am the joint owner of a property that is let out.

Photo of Ben Spencer Ben Spencer Ceidwadwyr, Runnymede and Weybridge

May I take your advice, Ms Fovargue? My understanding was that we only have to make our main declarations at our first meeting. Do we have to reiterate them each time?

Photo of Yvonne Fovargue Yvonne Fovargue Llafur, Makerfield

You will have to reiterate them each time.

Photo of Ben Spencer Ben Spencer Ceidwadwyr, Runnymede and Weybridge

In that case, I declare an interest: I receive support, in particular as set out in my entry under category 2(a) on the Register of Members’ Financial Interests, from individuals with an interest in this area.