We’re delighted the Chancellor has raised the Rent a Room Scheme threshold to £7,500 in the summer budget. It’s something SpareRoom has been campaigning for since 2009, so to see it finally happen is fantastic. All too often housing initiatives benefit a select few, so this is a rare opportunity to do something meaningful for renters and homeowners alike. In the midst of a housing crisis, and with building levels behind all forecasted targets, it’s vital we make better use of existing stock and this will do just that. With 19 million empty bedrooms in owner-occupied properties in England alone, this has the potential to unlock a huge source of affordable accommodation, which will help keep rents down and give renters more choice. By letting homeowners keep more of the money they earn by renting out a room it will also help people cope with interest rate rises, when they happen.