Labour conference 2017
On 27th September 2017, the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn delivered his keynote speech at the party’s annual conference in Brighton.
In a wide-ranging speech to thousands of delegates, Corbyn pledged that a Labour government – which some see as being increasingly likely following their surprise performance in the June 2017 general election – would bring in rent controls and regeneration schemes.
Cities would be given the power to introduce rent controls in the private sector. “Rent controls exist in many cities across the world", said Corbyn, "I want our cities to have those powers too and tenants to have those protections.”
Another new pledge was to introduce tough new restrictions on regeneration projects:
“Regeneration is a much-abused word. Too often what it really means is forced gentrification and social cleansing, as private developers move in and tenants and leaseholders are moved out.”
To tackle this, Corbyn proposed that councils would have to win a ballot of existing tenants and leaseholders before any redevelopment scheme can take place. They would then ensure that existing tenants and leaseholders of a redeveloped estate could remain after the work has been completed. Such a policy is likely to be seen negatively by developers.
Addressing the failures of government and management surrounding the Grenfell Tower fire, Corbyn said that Labour in power would comprehensively review social housing policy. According to Corbyn, Grenfell stands for “a broken system that Labour must and will replace”.
“Tenants are not being listened to”, he said. “We will insist that every home is fit for human habitation – a proposal this Tory government voted down.”
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.