“We’re sick of rip off landlords” says rent control activist

One of the driving forces behind a summit being held to consider rent controls in a major city says she is “sick of being ripped off by landlords.”

Jo Sparks, Bristol branch secretary of the anti-landlord and anti-agent activist group Acorn, is backing a summit to be held by the city’s Labour-controlled council on March 2.

She says: “Everyone deserves decent, affordable and secure housing. Acorn has fought for it for years in Bristol and it’s about time that we started pushing the government for proper controls on rent, which is absolutely extortionate for most ordinary Bristolians.

“We’re sick of being ripped off by those landlords who take a huge chunk of our income and give us substandard housing in return. 

“We have consistently campaigned for the council to push for rent controls and welcome the Bristol administration’s renewed commitment on this issue.”

Sarah Fitzgerald from the Bristol Fair Renting Campaign - another pressure group, helping to organise the summit - adds: “The Fair Renting Campaign has called on the local council to make renting in Bristol fair and affordable for everyone, and they are listening.

“This renters’ summit is an opportunity for Bristol's renters to add their voice to the call, to tell their stories, and to help shape the future of Bristol's private rental market.

“From ending discrimination to exploring rent control measures, this is a moment where we can start to make the changes Bristol needs, and this summit is the first step. So come along and help us shape Bristol's future.”

The summit is being led by Bristol’s Labour mayor Marvin Rees and will take place on Wednesday 2 March between 6.30 and 8.30pm. Tickets can be booked online.

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