Thousands of campaigners demanded rent controls and more council housing in the National Housing Demo in Central London on Saturday, April 18.
The march began in Soho Square and intentionally ended at Berkeley Square, outside the offices of Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager.
Buses were organised to carry people from all over the country to the event, including Liverpool, Norwich, Bristol and Manchester.
The Manchester bus broke down, but made it to the protest eventually.
At the end of the march, a piñata of the Monopoly Man, filled with chocolate coins, was repeatedly struck by children present.
Jae Vail, a campaigner for London Renters Union, said: “It was really exciting to see so many organisations get behind the demonstration.
“I think there’s a clear sense that change needs to happen. Not just in our local areas, but also at a national level.”
While those on the march were united by their desire for rent controls, some say rent controls could make finding homes harder.
A spokesperson for the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “At a time of constrained supply, rent controls are a surefire way to significantly reduce the number of homes available in the private rented sector.”
featured image by Rosie Anfilogoff
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