The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) steering committee has published a briefing document (here) on the new possibilities for campaigning on rent controls and council house building, after the coming into effect of the Renters’ Rights Act in May 2026.

The briefing explains what the Act has changed – in opening up a new terrain for organising tenants – and what it hasn’t. But also, what councils could do with existing legal powers, including achieving rent restraint in practice, if there were councillors prepared to fight.

There are suggestions on what policy commitments could be sought from prospective candidates in the May 2027 local council elections, both those seeking to use one of the TUSC registered descriptions on the ballot paper and candidates from other parties.

Comments on the briefing are welcome, including the thoughts of activists in housing campaign organisations like Acorn and SHAC, and can be sent to the TUSC National Election Agent, Clive Heemskerk, at [email protected]. ■