Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Harvey & Wheeler Owner Takes Responsibility in Reeves Licensing Breach as Tories Press for Inquiry

The ethics watchdog judged the lapse an inadvertent error following her application for the required Southwark licence.

Overview

  • Harvey & Wheeler owner Gareth Martin said he, not a former employee, bears responsibility for the missed rental licence and called it an innocent oversight.
  • Emails show Nicholas Joicey was told by Harvey & Wheeler a selective licence was required, and the Mail on Sunday reported Knight Frank had earlier given similar advice.
  • Rachel Reeves has applied for the Southwark selective licence, and local guidance indicates fines are typically used when landlords fail to act after warnings.
  • Tenant group Justice for Tenants reports a rise in rent‑repayment order enquiries, and renters can seek up to 12 months of rent back in eligible cases.
  • Conservatives including Gareth Davies are demanding a fuller investigation, while Reeves has not appeared publicly since the story broke and is scheduled to speak on Tuesday.