The Government has been slammed for not making it easier to prosecute landlords who sexually exploit their tenants in need of a home.
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said it's a "clear pattern" for the government to "dig in their heels" on this issue as Labour and campaigners urge ministers to protect women and girls.
Tonight the controversial Police and Crime Bill returns to the Commons for a round of parliamentary ping-pong, where legislation passes between the Commons and the Lords until an agreement is reached.
The Tories are tonight set to try and block proposals which would criminalise landlords accepting or arranging sex for rent.
Labour have put forward proposals to criminalise sex for rent, with the amendments set to be voted on tonight.
Under clause 142 of the Bill, peers inserted the amendment to make it an "offence for a person to arrange or facilitate requiring sexual relations as a condition of accommodation".
The clause explains that the landlord will be committing an offence if "they know they are arranging this offence, reasonably should know they actions would enable (sex for rent) or if they were informed".
However the government has blocked Labour’s proposals, despite the current law requiring women to declare themselves prostitutes in order to get a conviction.
Ms Cooper said: "It's sickening that the Conservatives will not do the right thing and make it easier to prosecute landlords who think they get can get away with sexually exploiting tenants in need of a home.
“A public consultation will not help victims who are being exploited by these vile landlords now.
“This is part of a clear pattern, Labour and campaigners have consistently told the government what needs to happen to protect women and yet they dig in their heels.
“Labour has repeatedly called on the Government to take proper action in this Bill to tackle violence against women and girls and we have forced the Government to accept some of our amendments, but on sex for rent this is a shameful missed opportunity to keep women safe.”
Housing sector organisations like Shelter have warned that the pandemic’s impact on financial vulnerability has increased the prevalence of sex for rent.
There has only been one prosecution under current legislation, despite reports that the practice is on the rise.
Rather than supporting Labour’s proposal, the Government has said it will launch a public consultation on the issue.
