Pilot tackling poor quality housing expanded to further 38 local authorities in England

The scheme – led by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – empowers local authorities to “clamp down” on landlords who operate properties without the required licence, ignore improvement notices, or leave their houses in “mouldy, dire conditions”, said the Government.

This comes alongside expanded provisions under the Renters’ Rights Act allowing local authorities to seek Rent Repayment Orders for up to 24 months of rent - double the previous 12-month limit.

Under the scheme, councils will have “streamlined access” to Universal Credit data which the Government notes is “crucial” for completing Rent Repayment Order applications.

The DWP said: “One of the trial areas – Camden, North London – is using the data sharing to recover nearly £100,000 in housing support and make a fraud referral, taking taxpayer cash out of the pockets of rogue landlords and back into the public purse.”

Following successful results, the scheme is being expanded to a further 38 local authorities in England, taking the total to 41.

Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “Thanks to this pilot, private renters in receipt of housing support will have stronger protections against landlords who fail to meet public standards.

“No one should live in unsafe or unsuitable housing. We are giving local authorities the tools they need to deter bad housing practice, and ensuring better value for money by upholding safe standards.”

Justice for Tenants said: “This pilot has shown that we can deter criminality in the private rented sector and help fund housing enforcement services by making those who break the law shoulder more of the cost.

“This pilot is a massive win for all law-abiding landlords, tenants receiving public funds, the NHS, and every taxpayer in the country.”

Lottie Winson