LABOUR'S shadow housing minister has paid a visit to Manchester after calling for urgent action to give tenants more rights.

John Healey MP was invited to the region by Lucy Smith, Labour's candidate in the upcoming Besses by-election.

The senior member of Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet team gave a speech to Community Union members at the Mechanics Institute in Manchester, on June 27.

Ms Smith said: “More and more people in Besses ward are now renting from private landlords rather than from the Council or housing associations.

"That’s why I’ve raised the issue with Labour Shadow Housing Minister and I’m delighted he’s attending tonight and listening to local people’s concerns.

“The Conservative Government should step in and protect these people from unscrupulous landlords by giving security through longer rental agreements, speedy repairs and protection from huge rent rises."

John Healey MP added:"Whatever measure you choose, our housing market is broken and Conservative housing policy is failing to fix it.

"Since 2010, rough sleeping has more than doubled, home-ownership has fallen to a 30-year low and the number of new social rented homes has fallen to the lowest level since records began.

“Lucy understands the housing pressures that people face in Besses and would be a strong champion for more low-cost homes and stronger rights for renters.”