Labour councillors have called for measures to protect renters after figures showed hundreds of Slough renters have faced the threat of ‘no-fault’ evictions.

Analysis from the local party found that 657 families in the town have faced no-fault eviction letters that have been followed up with a possession claim in court since April 2019.

No-fault evictions, formally known as Section 21 notices, allow private landlords to order a tenant to leave without having to prove they are at fault.

Slough council’s Labour group lead Pavitar Mann said: “Residents in Slough who suffer from no-fault evictions have their lives absolutely thrown upside down with no protection from the government.”

The Labour analysis also claimed there are 26,141 households privately renting in Slough.

Their statement called for the introduction of a Renters’ Charter that would strengthen tenants’ rights – including ending no-fault evictions and bringing in a four month notice period for landlords.

Councillor Mann added: “The cost-of-living crisis is suffocating families in Slough, and the utter failure of Conservatives to provide competent government is marking things harder and harder and harder.

“People in Slough want a government that is on their side. A government with a plan for a Renters’ Charter to provide certainty for renters, not protection for dodgy landlords.”

It comes as a Labour motion is set to be brought to Slough’s full council meeting this week calling for an Annual State of Housing Report to be published.

However, Slough Borough Council cabinet member councillor Puja Bedi defended the current administration’s record.

She said: “We will not take any lessons from Labour on housing in Slough.  In over a decade in power, they never produced an Annual State of Housing Report and presided over a declining service offer to residents and systems which did not represent best value to the taxpayer.

“Since taking office in May I have worked hard with officers to improve the service, and ensure that our residents feel involved.

“We have started Housing Surgeries; a Resident Engagement Strategy will go to Cabinet in December and we have strengthened our Resident’s Board to include involvement by elected members and direct resident participation.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: “We are determined to prevent homelessness before it occurs.

“Our Renters Reform Bill will deliver a fairer private rented sector, abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions so that all tenants have greater security in their homes and are empowered to challenge poor practice without worrying about retaliatory eviction.”