I was delighted last month when my Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation and Liability for Housing Standards) Bill was approved at its second Commons reading. While private members’ bills are often ‘talked out’ and fail to make progress, this will (eventually) now make it to the statute book. The extraordinary situation of landlords having no obligation to keep the structure of their properties in a condition fit for human habitation cannot be allowed to continue (see December 2017/January 2018 Legal Action 4).

In the debate on the bill, I placed on record my appreciation of the two housing lawyers who pitched the idea to me (based on the 1996 Law Commission recommendations) and drafted the bill itself. Giles Peaker, a partner at Anthony Gold, and Justin Bates, a barrister at Arden Chambers, have been fantastic, supporting me over the past two years since we made our first attempt to get the bill debated.

Not only are they outstanding lawyers and leaders in their field, but they are driven by a passion and commitment to championing people in housing need. So many legal aid lawyers are not content just to undertake day-to-day casework, helping the poorest and most vulnerable in society, but also want the law reformed to better protect their clients. Their dedication never fails to impress me, but these two really do deserve special praise.

At one time or another, most MPs have tried to help constituents living in appalling conditions. The work of Giles and Justin will have played its part in changing this.