By Landlords across the UK often feel that their concerns about property and buy-to-let policies go unheard.
Eddie Hughes, former MP for Walsall North and housing minister, recently addressed these frustrations at the London Landlord Investment Show, offering practical advice on how landlords can actively contribute to shaping government policy—even without direct access to the housing minister.
Step 1: Identify and Contact Your Local MP
- Find your MP: Visit the Members of Parliament website and enter your postcode. You’ll receive your MP’s name, contact details, and website: https://members.parliament.uk/members/commons
- Contact Methods: You can reach out by writing a letter, sending an email, or by attending a local MP “surgery” (a drop-in meeting for constituents).
Step 2: Writing to Your MP
- Know Your Audience: Research your MP’s background. Look up their experience in property, past statements on housing, voting record, and any election promises on local or housing issues.
- Crafting Your Message:
- Clearly outline your concerns or propose a new policy idea.
- Share real-life impacts, explaining how current policies e.g., Section 24 affect not just you as a landlord, but also your tenants and local housing stability.
- Be concise—present headline points, then specify what you want your MP to do, providing feedback and champion your idea by considering promoting it more widely.
- Follow Up: After any interaction—be it by mail or a meeting—send a thank you letter and any promised additional information.
Step 3: Attending an MP Surgery
- What is a Surgery? Local MPs typically hold regular public drop-in sessions at accessible venues like libraries.
- How it Works:
- Sessions may be “drop-in” or require booking in advance—call or email your MP’s constituency office to find out how you can attend a surgery.
- Make sure to consult your own MP (from your home address), not the MP of the area where you own let properties.
- Discussion Tips: Be organised and specific about the issues you want to raise. Bring documentation or evidence, and, if possible, coordinate with other landlords who share your concerns to demonstrate broader support.
Step 4: Requesting a One-to-One Meeting
- When to Request: If surgery times are inconvenient or your issue is complex, you can ask for a dedicated meeting—possibly online, depending on circumstances.
- Meeting Strategy:
- Clearly state your issue and objective for the meeting.
- Provide specific examples (e.g., a tenant losing their home due to recent changes in benefit rules or Section 24 impacts).
- Collaborate with others to strengthen your case and show it’s not a unique circumstance.
- After the Meeting: Always follow through as agreed—with a thank you and further information as needed.
Engaging with your MP is one of the most direct and influential ways landlords can help shape the laws and regulations affecting the rental sector. Preparation, clarity, and follow-up are key to making your voice heard and possibly influencing housing policy at both the local and national levels.
Eddie Hughes, Former Housing Minister comments:
“Many people don’t even know the name of their local MP and have never contacted them. Yet, MPs are the best way to share your views on planned legal changes and help shape the ones that may impact you most. This step-by-step guide is essential for anyone wondering how to make that contact”.
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