Reform has pledged to scrap the Renters’ Rights Act if the party gets into power, as part of sweeping changes to repeal “daft regulations”.

Speaking in Birmingham today, Reform deputy leader Richard Tice detailed plans for a new “Great Office of State” which he would lead, encompassing housing as well as business, trade and energy.

Tice, who worked in property development for 30 years, including as chief executive of CLS, said he had more experience of the sector than “the past twenty housing ministers put together”.

He said: “Let’s have a Great Repeal Bill that ditches daft regulations: scrap Net Zero, scrap ZEV mandates, scrap new employment rights rules, scrap new property rental rules – all well intentioned but kill jobs, hinder growth, investment and prosperity. 

“This will all help lower inflation and bring down bills for consumers.”

He said the Renters’ Rights Act, which has yet to come into force, is “already reducing the supply of properties to rent and therefore increasing the prices”.

Tice also spoke of the need to speed up housebuilding and reduce planning restrictions.

He said Reform would explore giving trusted planning partners, approved retailers and housebuilders more trust and latitude, but said they would be subject to tougher fines if they breach the government’s trust.

Campaign group Generation Rent has hit back, warning the “disgraceful” policy would be a “gift to unscrupulous landlords”.

Generation Rent chief executive Ben Twomey says: “Forcing people back into insecure and unsafe homes is not a promise, it’s a threat levelled at England’s 11 million private renters. 

“Our homes are the foundations of our lives, so it is disgraceful to see Reform UK pledging to roll back new and essential protections that would improve the quality of our homes and help us to stay in them for longer.

“Reform UK had nothing to say at the debates about the Renters’ Rights Bill when it was passing through Parliament. 

“They also haven’t spoken to renter groups like us about their plans, which would be a gift to unscrupulous landlords who are responsible for the poor conditions renters face right now. 

“Renters have fought for decades for laws that give people greater security in their jobs and homes. 

“The public widely supports the new laws to protect us, so we urge Reform UK to show renters more respect and think again about what they are offering voters.”