Brief
Green Party unveils three‑year emergency rent brake at Brighton conference
Leader Zach Polanski called for a rent‑freeze measure and a national Fair Rents Guarantee, while anti‑migrant protests were slated for Southampton and Dover.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Green Party leader Zach Polanski used the second day of the party’s Brighton conference on 3 October 2026 to propose a three‑year emergency brake on private rents, the Guardian reported.
What happened
Polanski said the policy would prevent any rent rise above the lower of CPI‑linked wage growth or 2%, ban sudden hikes and stop evictions justified by rent increases. He framed the measure as a way to give renters "breathing space" while wages catch up with housing costs.
What the reports add
The Guardian noted that the Green Party’s deputy leaders were scheduled to address members later in the day, and that the conference would be livestreamed. It also mentioned planned anti‑migrant demonstrations on the south coast, with the group South Coast Patriots organising protests in Southampton and Dover, and local counter‑protesters from Southampton Stand Up To Racism expected to meet them. Police have issued a ban on face coverings in the area.
What was said
Polanski told the audience, "No rent rises above CPI wage growth or 2%, whichever is lower. No sudden hikes. No evictions under the guise of rent rises." The Guardian quoted him in full.
How it came about
The rent‑brake proposal follows growing public concern over cost‑of‑living pressures highlighted in recent World Economic Forum surveys, which flagged housing affordability as a key issue. Earlier Green Party statements have called for broader reforms, including a national Fair Rents Guarantee to keep rents affordable permanently.
Key facts
- Green Party leader Zach Polanski announced a three‑year emergency rent brake at the Brighton conference. (theguardian.com)
- The brake would cap rent increases at the lower of CPI‑linked wage growth or 2% and ban evictions linked to rent hikes. (theguardian.com)
- Anti‑migrant protests were planned for Southampton and Dover, organised by South Coast Patriots, with counter‑protesters expected. (theguardian.com)
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Green party conference continues with cost of living on the agenda – UK politics live”
