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Commenting on the Committee’s report, Isobel Thomson, Chief Executive, NALS, said:

“We recognise the time and level of scrutiny the HCLG Committee have taken with this report. NALS wants a fairer PRS for all, and we echo the committee’s conclusion that the proposed legislation could be improved to make the market both fairer and more transparent. While we don’t agree with all the recommendations, the report makes some important points.

“NALS has repeatedly raised concerns over how local authorities will enforce the new legislation, so we were pleased to see the committee acknowledge that if councils are to be given this extra enforcement responsibility, they must have the maximum amount of civil penalty increased or be given additional resource.

“It is difficult to concur with the conclusion that fee ban increase will competition in the sector, we know many smaller agents will be forced to close or reduce staff. How will this aid competition? We also cannot concur with the conclusion that any rent increases will be easily absorbed by tenants in England. This is based purely on the experience in Scotland and we believe is the committee adopting a wing and a prayer mentality.”