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Ipswich MP backs advance rent cap limit but local property experts warn of 'unintended consequences'

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has backed new legislation limiting advance rent payments to one month, but local property experts warn the changes could have unintended consequences for renters in Ipswich.

The big picture: The government's Renters' Rights Bill introduces a cap on advance rent payments, limiting landlords to requesting only one month's rent upfront – a significant change from the current system where multiple months can be demanded.

Lee Pearce , Head of Property Dispute Team at Ellisons , believes the legislation needs careful consideration: "For the private rental market to function effectively, it is crucial to strike a fair balance between protecting tenants and landlords. If the Government has misjudged this, their plans risk being more of a headline than a genuine solution to the challenges in the rental sector."

Why it matters: With rental properties already in short supply across Ipswich, any reduction in available housing could drive up costs and make it even harder for locals to find accommodation.

Let sign on a street
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has backed new legislation limiting advance rent payments to one month, but local property experts warn the changes could have unintended consequences for rentersOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • Data from the Deposit Protection Scheme shows 1 in 8 landlords requested between four and six months' rent upfront between May and December last year

  • The government estimates renters could save up to £8,000 in advance payments

The other side: Ipswich MP Jack Abbott supports the changes, saying: "For too long, renters in Ipswich have had to find large sums of cash upfront, meaning they are pushed into debt or have to go without essential living costs."

Yes, but: Pearce warns the changes could have unexpected consequences: "Reducing upfront costs will undoubtedly help renters, but deposits and advance payments are vital for landlords, providing security in a system where evictions can be lengthy and costly."

He adds that certain groups may find it harder to rent:

Opinion

Limiting upfront rent to one month's payment leaves landlords exposed and may discourage them from renting to tenants with less stable financial backgrounds. Pensioners, overseas students, the self-employed, and others may have difficulties satisfying referencing and affordability checks.

The bottom line: While the legislation aims to make renting more affordable and accessible, there are genuine concerns that it could reduce rental property availability in Ipswich and increase rental prices.

Ellisons Solicitors

Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich
Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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