Tories pledge to cut landlord red tape

The Conservatives have said that they would free landlords from the burden of red tape in an effort to improve the supply of housing.

Writing on politics.co.uk, shadow housing minister Grant Shapps, argued that creating a greater supply of affordable housing was vital and that landlords would have a role to play if the Tories were elected to power.

He wrote: "We recognise the importance of a vibrant private rented sector, and want to avoid responsible landlords being enveloped in excessive red tape - which threatens to force up rents and restrict supply."

Mr Shapps' comments follow a report from Hometrack which claimed that 600,000 more private rental properties would have to become available by 2020 to help deal with the current housing shortage.

These findings were backed up by a report from Arla recently, which noted that the demand for private rental accommodation had outstripped supply in many areas of the country.

Adrian Turner, chief executive of Arla, commented at the time: "There is a shortage of all forms of housing in this country and these results show that the shortage of good quality property is also apparent in the rented sector.

"Even though it still needs more investment, the private rented sector is continuing to provide choice in housing and a safety valve for the housing market."