Angela Rayner Proposes Seizure of Vacant Homes, Addresses Past Tax Controversy
The Housing Secretary announced plans to empower councils to take over empty properties, speaking at the Labour conference after a personal tax issue.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has announced plans to grant local authorities stronger powers to seize privately-owned houses that have remained vacant for extended periods, aiming to address the homelessness crisis. Speaking at the Labour party conference in Liverpool, Rayner stated that councils would be empowered to take action on homes left idle for more than six months.
These proposed reforms target Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs), which allow councils to take control of vacant properties. Currently, EDMOs can be used for an initial 12 months, extendable up to eight years, but no applications have been made since 2021. Rayner's plan aims to reduce the vacancy period required for intervention from two years to six months, expedite the tribunal process for property seizure, and shield local authorities from associated costs.
The government has set a target of building 1.5 million homes by 2029, and these measures are intended to help bring approximately 300,000 empty homes across England back into use. Rayner asserted that these changes would sweep away "Tory barriers" that have hindered local leaders.
The announcement comes after Rayner addressed her own past tax controversy. Her speech at the conference was her first in two years, following a period where she left Keir Starmer's cabinet before the 2025 conference due to a £40,000 stamp duty bill on a holiday home. She expressed gratitude to Labour members for their support during that time, stating, "The Labour movement is a family to me... you've been there for me, and I'm here for you."
The plans have drawn criticism from the opposition. Conservative shadow housing secretary Katie Lamb stated, "This Labour Government wants to seize your property, if they don't approve of how you're using it." Lamb accused Labour of exacerbating the housing crisis and attacking property rights.
In addition to the EDMO reforms, Rayner also indicated further action on leasehold reform, describing it as "unfinished business" and pledging to cap administration fees. She also outlined plans for an independent licensing system for estate, letting, and property management agents, citing concerns about unqualified or dishonest practices in the industry.