Andy Burnham announces 7 new rules and law changes to impact millions of Brits

Renters are set to be protected with a host of new rules that have been confirmed under Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government. Housing Secretary Angela Rayner announced a wealth of improved rights for those who do not own their own homes and instead rent in the announcement made on Wednesday (October 21). Under the shake-up, domestic abuse victims, veterans and the homeless will be given strengthened rules that will help them in times of crisis. A government spokesman said: "Together, the reforms will put tenants first, raise standards and protect social homes, alongside the biggest investment in new social and affordable housing in a generation." Here are all the new rules set to be enforced: New Bills will protect those who have been victimised by partners, especially victims caught in joint tenancies with abusive partners, helping end the choice between staying in danger and losing a home and support network. Ms Rayner said: "No survivor should have to choose between staying with their abuser or losing their home, community and support network. We are changing the law so the perpetrator, not the survivor, can be made to leave. "Abusers will no longer be able to use a shared home as a weapon of control. Survivors will get the certainty of knowing their tenancy and their social home are protected. "We are also putting power back in tenants’ hands so they can demand better when services fail, while protecting the social homes communities need for generations to come." Council tenants will also get stronger support to take charge of repairs, maintenance and communal services through a simpler Right to Manage, giving residents a clearer route to demand better when services fail or things need improving in their homes. The new laws will hand councils and housing associations twice as long to consider buying them before they leave the sector, alongside better information to help them make that decision when they get in a position to do so. Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, said: "Housing associations strongly support the government’s objectives in the Social Housing Bill to safeguard our social homes for future generations, tackle homelessness and to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic abuse. "No one should be forced to lose their home to escape abuse. We strongly welcome new powers to protect survivors’ ability to remain safely in their homes and reduce their risk of homelessness. Councils will have more control over protecting eligible areas from the Right to Buy, with the wider package of reforms expected to keep an additional 18,000 homes in the social sector over the next decade. Ms Henderson added: "With almost 180,000 children growing up in temporary accommodation, we need councils, housing associations, mayors and the government all working together to end the housing crisis. "Housing associations are committed to tackling homelessness in all its forms, as well as other damaging consequences of our broken housing system, such as overcrowding. We will continue to work with government to ensure these proposals deliver on our shared objectives, while strengthening our partnerships with councils to help more families access safe, secure and affordable homes." The Bill will also help tackle homelessness earlier by requiring councils and public services to identify people at risk and work together before they lose their home, while housing associations will be required to offer suitable homes to households referred by councils unless there is good reason not to. Veterans will also face fewer barriers to getting help, with plans to ensure they can seek homelessness support from any council in England regardless of local connection rules. Rachael Williamson, Executive Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs, Chartered Institute of Housing, said: "We welcome these measures, particularly the strengthened protections for domestic abuse survivors, which reflect the importance of ensuring people are not forced to choose between their safety and their home. "CIH has worked closely with government and sector partners throughout the development of the Bill to make the case for stronger protections for tenants, earlier action to prevent homelessness and measures that support the long-term future of social housing. "We will continue to do so as the Bill progresses. "Alongside long-term investment in social and affordable housing, these reforms have the potential to improve outcomes for residents, strengthen communities and help ensure social housing continues to meet the needs of current and future generations." From April 2027 Tenant Management Organisations that manage council housing will be brought under Freedom of Information rules. This means residents will be able to request information about services such as repairs, estate management, and rent collection, improving transparency and making these organisations more open and accountable.