A snap poll of letting agents from across the country has found that an overwhelming majority don’t believe the government understands the pressures facing the private rented sector and wider housing market.

In a survey of 160 letting agents carried out by Goodlord, 75% of respondents said they didn’t think the government understood the pressure facing the sector.

A further 19% weren’t sure. And just 6% said they thought the government truly understood the challenges the market is facing.

This poll follows a lacklustre Budget where housing barely featured and ongoing delays and uncertainty around the Renters (Reform) Bill.

Goodlord managing director of insurance Oli Sherlock commented: “Given the delays, confusion, and rotating cast of housing ministers over recent years, it’s no surprise to see that the majority of agents have little faith in this government’s grip on the challenges facing the housing and letting market”.

He added: “Landlords are under pressure, agents are contending with increasingly complex legislation, and tenants are fighting to secure homes. All stakeholders deserve more joined up thinking and a long-term, bipartisan plan if we want renting to be done right.”