Dan Peters 20 June 2014

Council concerns over private rented sector

Only 2% of councillors view the private rented sector (PRS) as their local authority’s top priority for securing new housing, a report published today has found.

The low priority for the PRS reflected major concerns councils have about regulating large numbers of small buy-to-let landlords, the poor quality of private rented homes, short leases and security of tenure, and rising rent levels.

Eight out of 10 councillors of all political complexions from across England surveyed by The Smith Institute think-tank thought that the minimum tenure for the PRS should be increased - a third said to one year and a third to three years or more.

There were also calls from officers for a national landlord registration scheme.

Director of The Smith Institute, Paul Hackett, said: ‘The Government needs to do more to help councils lift the quality bar across the sector.’

David Cowans, chief executive officer of property management, development and regeneration firm Places for People, which supported the report, added: ‘Councils have a key role to play in using their planning and economic growth levers to create the right environment to attract investment into this vital sector and to drive up standards for tenants.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner