Overview
- Government-published emails show Harvey & Wheeler told Nicholas Joicey they would obtain the selective licence but the application was never made.
- Sir Laurie Magnus advised that the failure was an unfortunate but inadvertent error with no evidence of bad faith, and Keir Starmer said no further action is required.
- Rachel Reeves apologised, accepted responsibility for ensuring compliance, and said the licence application has now been submitted.
- Harvey & Wheeler’s owner apologised, citing a property manager’s sudden resignation and noting the firm does not normally apply for licences on clients’ behalf.
- Conservatives continue to press for an ethics probe as landlords voice complaints about equal treatment, while No 10 says Reeves will deliver the 26 November Budget and no enforcement action has been announced.