To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he has had recent discussions with housing associations on taking steps to maintain low levels of rent.

The Government regulates the maximum social housing rents that Registered Providers of social housing, including housing associations, can charge their tenants (subject to certain exceptions).

Social housing rents are permitted to increase rents by up to CPI+1% per annum. Registered Providers of social housing are expected carefully to consider the effect on their tenants when making decisions about rent increases. The CPI+1% limit is a ceiling, and Government urges landlords to consider lower increases where possible.