Flint looks to boost rented housing

Three million more homes promised

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Caroline Flint has told the Labour conference that she is investigating moves to improve the private rented housing sector.

In her keynote speech in Manchester, the housing minister said: "I have heard loud and clear the concerns about the quality and affordability of some private rented accommodation.

"Whether it is HMOs in seaside towns and student areas, or dodgy landlords in inner cities, I am looking at what more we can do."

The government is due to receive the Rugg report into the private rented sector next month.

She also told delegates that she would not be backing down to critics of the government's target to build three million new homes by 2020.

"We won't give up that easily. Labour will build the homes Britain needs."

And she said that councils would play a central role in meeting the nation's housing needs.

"In the next decade, I want to see local councils, once again play a central role, not only building more homes, but providing leadership in meeting the housing needs of their community, across all sectors."

"And to Labour MPs and Labour councillors, let's take on the Tories and Liberals and win the argument for more homes.

"Let's make a better case for "good" development which brings benefits to existing communities as well as to new tenants and owners.