Responding to confirmation that Michael Gove has been appointed the new Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary, Ben Beadle, chief executive at the National Residential Landlords Association said: “We welcome Michael Gove to his new position and look forward to working with him to ensure the rental market works for responsible landlords and tenants alike. 

“Key to this will be addressing the supply crisis in the sector by developing pro-growth policies that recognise the vital contribution it makes to housing millions of people across the country.” 

A wide-ranging survey of private landlords across England and Wales, conducted in partnership with research consultancy BVA/BDRC, found that 39% confirmed that demand for homes to rent had increased in the second quarter of 2021 – an 8% increase on the first quarter of the year.  This data also revealed that demand has reached a five-year high.