The Government has expanded a successful pilot scheme to tackle rogue landlords and protect public funds, the Department for Work and Pensions has announced.
Under the enlarged programme, around 400,000 households receiving housing support will be better shielded from unsafe or non-compliant rental properties.
After successful trials in three council areas, 41 local authorities across England will now have strengthened powers to recover public money through Rent Repayment Orders (RROs). These legal tools allow councils to reclaim up to 24 months of rent from landlords who operate without proper licences, ignore improvement notices or let properties fall into dangerous conditions.
Camden Council has already used data sharing to recover nearly £100,000 in support and make a fraud referral. The expansion will reach authorities including Enfield, boosting protections for tens of thousands more renters.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said councils are now better equipped to deter poor housing practice and ensure value for taxpayers.
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