Ministers to launch taskforce aimed at tackling 'beds in sheds'

Ministers will today unveil plans for a national taskforce to tackle the issue of so-called "beds in sheds".

A cross-Whitehall summit is expected to hear calls for councils to make greater use of legal powers in areas such as planning, fire safety, housing and environmental health.

However, the Government appears to have rejected calls from some councils for a new legal power of entry into premises without notice.

“Councils already have this ability provided they obtain a magistrates' warrant - which provides a proportionate check and balance on the use of such powers,” the Department for Communities and Local Government said.

The summit – the first in a series – will be attended by representatives from the police, local government and the UK Border Agency.

The DCLG said the meetings would “find ways to close down thousands of sheds and outbuildings being rented out illegally to migrants, including some with no right to be in the UK”.

It added: “These 'tenants' are being exploited by ruthless landlords who charge them extortionate rents to live in cramped conditions.

“These modern day shanty towns, often visible on websites such as Google Earth, can be plagued with rats and cockroaches – and are potential death traps with dodgy wiring and poor sanitation.”

In addition to encouraging councils to use their powers, Housing Minister Grant Shapps and Immigration Minister Damian Green are expected to discuss at the summit:

  • how to better measure the extent and nature of the problem, drawing on information collected by Whitehall and local authorities;
  • how best to ensure councils and the police share the intelligence available and enforcement activity;
  • closer working with organisations such as the Indian High Commission to help those individuals wanting to return home; and
  • steps to prevent more "beds in sheds" from being created.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps said: "It is a scandal that these back garden slums exist to exploit people, many of whom are prepared to return voluntarily to their home country but instead find themselves trapped into paying extortionate rents to live in these cramped conditions.”

Immigration Minister Damian Green said: "Those with no right to be in the UK must leave the country. If they volunteer to leave, we will help. If they refuse, we will enforce their removal.

"The UK Border Agency will do whatever is necessary, working with local authorities and the police, to clear up this problem and enforce our laws against those who are in the UK illegally and the employers who exploit them.”

Green added that many individuals had already been removed from the UK and further enforcement visits would follow.