The Department for Communities and Local Government has issued a consultation paper on ‘Banning letting agent fees paid by tenants’.

The consultation will seek views on the ban and will last for eight weeks from 7 April 2017 until 2 June 2017.

David Cox, chief executive at ARLA Propertymark, said of the Government’s consultation to ban letting agent fees: “The Government’s housing policy is shambolic and (this) consultation contradicts its already stated aim to encourage longer term tenancies. Independent analysis launched at ARLA Propertymark’s annual conference revealed that if an outright ban was introduced, rents will increase by £103 per year which will only serve to financially punish long term tenants.

“The decision is a short-term crowd pleaser and we are disappointed DCLG has not considered our proposals in (this) consultation. We urge the Government to use this process to think again to ensure that consumers and the wider economy are not penalised by contradictory Government policies.”