Member representation: Consultation responses and position papers

Propertymark has responded to the Senedd Local Government and Housing Committee’s consultation on the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill, warning that the legislation’s success will depend on adequate funding, cross-sector collaboration, and clear implementation plans.

Propertymark has issued a robust response to the Mayor of London’s consultation on the next London Plan, warning that without urgent action to address the capital’s acute housing shortage, the Plan risks failing to meet its fundamental aims. The proposals lack critical focus on the role of the Private Rented Sector (PRS), underplay the challenge of housing delivery, and fail to fully embrace the potential of private landlords to meet housing need.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched a technical consultation on reforming planning committees in England. The proposals could lead to significant changes in how planning decisions are made locally. Propertymark has responded on behalf of our members to ensure the voice of the property sector is heard, and we also encourage individuals to add their views.

Propertymark’s response to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) consultation sets out a clear and urgent case for reform of the scheme, which provides financial support for households in England and Wales to install low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps or biomass boilers. A more ambitious scope is needed to help overcome the barriers landlords face in meeting the UK Government’s energy efficiency ambitions — especially the proposed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) of EPC C for new tenancies by 2028.

The States Assembly in Jersey has unveiled proposals to reform the island’s residential tenancy law, which has been in place since 2011. Propertymark supports the intention to provide renters with greater protection and security, but we have serious concerns about the practicality and potential consequences of some of the proposals, including rent controls and restrictions on fixed term tenancies.

Ciara Ferguson, MLA, has proposed a Private Members’ Bill banning letting fees charged by landlords and agents in Northern Ireland. Propertymark has responded robustly to the proposals, calling for a fair and balanced approach that protects both tenants and the viability of property businesses. We met Ferguson on 13 May 2025, along with some of our members operating in Northern Ireland, to discuss her aims and to raise concerns from agents.

Proposals from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to introduce higher Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for the private rented sector (PRS) raise serious concerns about the practicality, affordability, and likely impact on housing availability. In Propertymark’s response to consultation, informed by input from over 350 members from England and Wales, we insist the UK Government must work closely with the sector to design a fair and sustainable route to energy efficiency.

Propertymark’s response to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) regime addresses the wide-ranging proposals, covering changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), Display Energy Certificates (DECs), and Air Conditioning Inspection Reports (ACIRs). We welcome many of the proposed reforms but have also raised concerns, especially around commercial and heritage buildings and HMOs, and made recommendations to ensure the final policy is fair, practical, and effective.

The UK Government’s proposed disability and health-related benefits system reforms could significantly reshape support for vulnerable people. Propertymark responded to the Work and Pensions Committee’s inquiry on these plans and welcomed many proposals. We made it clear, however, that housing must be central to any efforts to ‘Get Britain Working’.

A major consultation for a new Land Use Framework aims to balance the need for 1.5 million new homes, expansion of energy infrastructure, and the creation of new towns, alongside the protection of the environment and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Propertymark supports a balanced approach to changes in land use, however, we believe the UK Government has significantly underestimated the land required for residential development.

Plans are afoot to strengthen HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs) to act quickly and robustly against professional tax advisers who help clients avoid paying the correct tax. Propertymark welcomes this because it aligns with our calls to the Treasury, and we support HMRC’s ambition to ensure the financial sector upholds the highest standards and integrity of the tax system.

Propertymark urges the UK Government to make access to housing a central part of its welfare system reform. Without suitable affordable housing options, it will be much harder to address other barriers to work, such as improving physical and mental health or engagement with education and training. Proposals in the Pathways to Work Green Paper will overhaul the existing system and introduce new initiatives, including unemployment insurance, to create sustainable health and disability benefits and employment support.