Rachel Reeves received an apology from her estate agent for not following through on applying for a rental licence as promised. The firm expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to their clients, aiming to resolve the dispute after calls for the Chancellor’s dismissal by the Conservative Party. Downing Street reiterated its support for Ms. Reeves as she proceeds with preparations for the upcoming Budget.
This development arose when Ms. Reeves admitted the oversight to Keir Starmer and his ethics advisor concerning her family property in Dulwich. The property, shared with her spouse, was rented out when she moved into No11 Downing Street after the Labour Party’s election triumph last year.
The issue came to light on Wednesday when it was discovered that the property lacked a “selective licence” required by Southwark council. This prompted criticism from the Tories, demanding her dismissal for violating housing regulations.
Ms. Reeves disclosed emails on Thursday between her husband and the agency, revealing that Harvey & Wheeler had agreed to handle the licence application. Despite this, she took full responsibility for the situation in her communication with the Prime Minister.
Giles Martin, the estate agent’s owner, clarified that while their standard practice involves notifying clients about licensing requirements, a sudden staff resignation led to the failure to apply for the licence. He expressed regret for the oversight and acknowledged that the necessary certificates were in order at the start of the tenancy.
In correspondence dated between July 17 and August 13, 2024, discussions between Ms. Reeves’s husband and the agency outlined the steps for renting out the property, including the cost of the licence and payment details.
Following the revelation, Ms. Reeves promptly applied for the licence upon realizing the error. Southwark council highlighted the importance of landlords obtaining a selective licence to ensure compliance with housing regulations and safeguard tenants.
Enforcement measures, such as fines, are typically reserved for landlords who disregard warnings about the licensing requirement. Southwark council stated that they do not comment on individual cases but emphasized the significance of landlords adhering to the licensing process.
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