UK government rules out rent controls amid cost-of-living discussions

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said ministers are "not looking at rent controls" for private landlords, despite reports the Chancellor was weighing a 12-month ban on rent increases.

Separately, landlords reacted with fury after Rachel Reeves opened the door to imposing a rent freeze to 'ease cost of living crisis', highlighting tensions within the government over how to address affordable housing.

The episodes illustrate a policy debate in the UK about how to respond to affordability pressures, with officials denying a formal plan while landlords push back against potential restrictions.