Labour leaders Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham unveiled proposals aimed at empowering local councils with greater authority over empty and substandard residential properties, signaling a more assertive approach to addressing housing shortages in England.

Speaking at the Labour conference in Liverpool, Rayner, the Shadow Housing Secretary, outlined plans to reform Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs), reducing the required vacancy period from two years to six months. This change would enable councils to seize control of long-unoccupied homes and bring them back into use for families in need of housing. Rayner emphasized the necessity of these measures to combat homelessness and criticized current barriers that prevent local authorities from acting more decisively.

In tandem, Burnham, the Shadow Secretary for Levelling Up, promised that councils would also gain the power to take over rental properties deemed “poor quality” if landlords fail to make necessary improvements. Highlighting the prevalence of empty homes across Britain, Burnham framed the proposal as a way to restore such properties to the public housing stock and address gaps in affordable housing.

Rayner also highlighted further reforms targeting the landlord and property management sectors. She proposed capping administration fees as part of ongoing leasehold reform, describing this as “unfinished business.” Additionally, she advocated for a licensing system covering estate agents, letting agents, and property management agents to curb fraudulent practices and protect consumers from misconduct.

The announcements come after Rayner’s return to the conference stage following her resignation from the Labour frontbench in 2025. She stepped down after it emerged she had failed to pay £40,000 in stamp duty on a seaside flat in Hove, East Sussex. Rayner’s renewed presence, alongside Burnham’s keynote speech, suggested a push within Labour for more radical housing policies amid ongoing concerns about affordability and quality in the private rental sector.

The proposals reflect Labour’s broader commitment to expanding public control over housing and strengthening local government powers, though they may face scrutiny from landlords and industry groups opposed to increased regulation. Further details and legislative plans are expected as Labour continues to develop its housing agenda ahead of the next general election.