Oldham Liberal Democrats back calls for private renting emergency

Liberal Democrat councillors in Oldham have joined leading Greater Manchester housing charities in declaring a “private rent emergency” across the region. 

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader and Shaw representative councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “The cost of renting in Oldham is rising at an unsustainable rate.  In September last year the average rented property in Oldham cost £670 per month.  This year the average price is £834 per month.  And in some parts of our Borough, rents are climbing far higher.”  

Greater Manchester has some of the highest homelessness figures in the UK.  Leading housing charities Shelter, Stepping Stone Projects, Mustard Tree and The Booth Centre have launched the new ‘Greater Manchester Private Rent Emergency’ campaign – arguing that spiralling rents and the cost-of-living crisis are pushing more and more people into poverty. 

Councillor Sykes said, “Wages are not keeping up with the rising cost of renting and this is already having devastating consequences for families in Oldham.  Urgent changes in the law are needed to give private renters more protections from runaway rents and poor-quality housing.”

NOTES

Mustard Tree statement on launch of new campaign
Mustard Tree | “Greater Manchester Private Rent Emergency” declared by leading charities – Mustard Tree

Information on the cost of renting in Oldham (2023)

Home.co.uk: Oldham Market Rent Summary

Information on the cost of renting in Oldham (2022)
Oldham Rental Market | Stats & Graphs (varbes.com)