William Eichler 30 October 2025

Chancellor failed to get licence to rent out home

Chancellor failed to get licence to rent out home image
Chancellor Rachel Reeves © Rupert Rivett / Shutterstock.com.

The PM has declined calls for an investigation after Chancellor Rachel Reeves apologised for renting out her family home without a licence from Southwark Council.

Ms Reeves said the property was let through a lettings agency after she moved to Number 11 Downing Street, and she was not informed that a selective licence was necessary.

A spokesperson described the situation as ‘an inadvertent mistake’ and said the Chancellor had informed the PM, the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards, and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

The Prime Minister has indicated he does not consider further action necessary.

A Southwark Council spokesperson said: 'When we become aware of an unlicensed property, we issue a warning letter advising the landlord that they have 21 days to apply for a license – enforcement action such as fines are reserved for those who do not apply within that time or where a property is found to be in an unsafe condition.

'We cannot comment on individual cases.'

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