Rachel Reeves has issued an apology for an unintentional oversight that led to her failure to comply with local housing regulations while renting out her family residence.
In a communication to Keir Starmer, the Chancellor acknowledged her lack of awareness regarding the licensing requirements in Dulwich Wood, located in south London. Responding on behalf of No10, the Prime Minister stated that he had consulted with his independent ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, who recommended against further investigation.
Reeves admitted to not securing the necessary “selective” rental license for her property when she relocated to No11 Downing Street last year, as mandated by Southwark Council in the ward.
Expressing regret, Reeves explained that neither she nor her family were informed about the licensing obligation, a revelation brought to light by the Daily Mail. She confirmed that immediate action was taken upon being notified of the error, and an application for the license was promptly submitted.
Failure to obtain the appropriate license could result in legal consequences such as prosecution or fines. The Chancellor reportedly relied on guidance from a letting agent who assured her they would advise on the necessity of a license.
Reeves emphasized, “This was an inadvertent mistake. As soon as it was brought to my attention, we took immediate action and have applied for the license.” She extended her apologies and offered to address any queries raised.
In response, the Prime Minister indicated that after consulting his independent adviser, he deemed further investigation unnecessary given Reeves’ swift corrective actions and apology. He cited the Ministerial Code, which allows for apologies as sufficient resolution in certain circumstances.
Keir Starmer remarked that while it was regrettable that the appropriate license was not obtained earlier, he believed Reeves was handling the situation with the required seriousness and urgency. This support comes ahead of the upcoming Budget, where tough decisions are anticipated.
In a separate context, Kemi Badenoch urged the Prime Minister to initiate a thorough investigation into Reeves’ oversight, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law by lawmakers. Opposition from the Lib Dem deputy leader, Daisy Cooper, highlighted concerns about the growing list of controversies within the Government potentially undermining public confidence.
The correspondence exchange between Reeves and Starmer underscored a commitment to upholding ethical standards and addressing the inadvertent error promptly.