Plans to ban no-fault evictions in England have been unveiled as part of a long-awaited overhaul of the private rental sector.
Well over three years after the UK Government pledged in its manifesto to abolish the practice, and thus empower renters to “challenge poor landlords without fear of losing their home”, the Renters’ (Reform) Bill has been unveiled in Parliament this week.
And it’s being described as a “once-in-a-generation” announcement.
Good news for renters and landlords!
The #RentersReformBill will provide greater security for private renters and protect responsible landlords.
It will also empower renters to challenge poor practice without fear of losing their home.
— Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Gov (@mhclg) May 17, 2023
At present, Section 21 – or ‘no-fault’ – evictions allow private landlords to take back possession of their properties from tenants without giving a reason for doing so, but Housing Secretary Michael Gove said this was giving rise to rogue landlords.
He claimed the law allows landlords to intimidate tenants into staying silent about disrepair, and insisted that “no one should be faced with eviction for speaking out”.
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Some of the other measures announced as part of the Renters’ Reform Bill include making it easier to evict tenants for anti-social behaviour or repeatedly missing rent payments, the capping of rent increases to just once a year with a required two-months’ notice to tenants, and a minimum housing standard for the private sector, which means accommodation must be well-maintained throughout tenancy and be free from health and safety hazards.
‘No-fault’ evictions to be banned in England under new renters’ reform bill / Credit: Roger Kidd (via Geograph)
The bill also includes the establishment of a new ombudsman covering all private landlords, and an online property portal where landlords must prove their compliance with legal requirements
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Other new rules set to be introduced include requiring landlords to consider all requests to keep pets and not unreasonably-refusing them, and the abolishment of blanket bans on benefit claimants or people with children.
“Too many renters are living in damp, unsafe, cold homes, powerless to put things right, and with the threat of sudden eviction hanging over them,” Mr Gove said on the announcement of the bill.
The Renters (Reform) Bill brings reforms that benefits both renters & landlords. Landlords will be able to recover properties from problem tenants more easily and tenants will be empowered to challenge poor practices.@MichaelGove explains it’s well balanced⏬#RentersReformBillpic.twitter.com/Nui29A2KhN
— Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Gov (@mhclg) May 17, 2023
“These new laws will support the vast majority of responsible landlords who provide quality homes to their tenants, while delivering our manifesto commitment to abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions to ensure that everyone can live somewhere which is decent, safe and secure”.
According to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), the plans announced in the Renters’ (Reform) Bill will impact 11 million tenants and two million landlords in England.
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
18th May 2023 
