Government officials have refused to deny reports that a proposed ban on Section 21 no-fault evictions proposed by former Secretary of State Michael Gove (pictured) has been dropped.

DLUHC officials have told The nEG they will not comment on leaked documents after a report appeared in The Times claiming that the highly controversial decision to outlaw the notices had been reversed.

The proposal to stop landlords evicting tenants under Section 21 [of the Housing Act 1988] was included in the Renters Reform White Paper announced by former housing secretary Michael Gove (main picture).

But now it appears his successor Simon Clarke, who was appointed by new Prime Minister Liz Truss, has decided to abandon a move that outraged landlord leaders.

Not a priority

The Times reported officials confirming the measure was about to be shelved: “One government source said it was not considered a priority by the new administration and would be delayed. Another said the government wanted to scrap the measure entirely even though it was a manifesto commitment.”

A DLUHC spokesperson says: “We do not comment on leaked documents. Any new government policies would be announced in due course.

“Everyone deserves to live in a safe and secure home. A fair deal for renters remains a priority and we are carefully considering our next steps for the rental market.”

Ben Beadle (pictured), Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) says: “Whatever the Government’s plans, a wide range of reforms are desperately needed to support the sector.

“The supply crisis in the sector must be addressed urgently, while much more needs to be done to root out criminal and rogue landlords. Likewise vulnerable tenants can and should be better supported by unfreezing housing benefit rates.”