14 November 2022

New £20m fund to stop rogue landlords from exploiting supported housing system

New £20m fund to stop rogue landlords from exploiting supported housing system image
Image: Yau Ming Low / Shutterstock.com

Councils are being given access to a £20m government fund to tackle landlords who exploit the supported housing system at the expense of vulnerable residents.

The fund will be used to toughen up the inspection of failing landlords and ensure those who profit through benefit claims but fail to support their vulnerable residents are held to account.

Under the new system, poor performing landlords will need to improve and provide better accommodation or face penalty notices of up to £30,000 and banned from operating.

Housing secretary, Michael Gove, said: 'Time’s up for rogue landlords who take money from the taxpayer while exploiting vulnerable people.

'We are stepping in to help councils crack down on this appalling activity and I will be working closely with Bob Blackman MP on his Private Members’ Bill to deliver tough new laws to end this practice once and for all.'

The Supported Housing Improvement Programme funds ]follows successful pilots in Birmingham, Blackburn, Darwen, Blackpool and Hull councils which helped them carry out over 1,000 property inspections of supported housing backed by over £5m.

Cllr David Renard, LGA housing spokesperson, said: 'Councils do everything they can to tackle bad practice and are taking action where required to raise standards in the private rented sector.

'However, further funding and support is needed to raise standards in the private rented sector and councils could do more if they were given the right tools, such as removing the requirement for Secretary of State approval for larger selective licensing schemes.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Repairs Co-Ordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Be the heart of our community - help us keep homes safe, warm and well-maintained.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), we believe th England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Museums Operations Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£36,124 - £40,476) per annum
Sandwell Museums is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Regulation and Compliance Assistant - WMF2056e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586 pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Licensing Team within Westmorland and Furness Council Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Finance Officer - WMF2059e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£33,366 - £34,314
You will be working in a busy operational finance service Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprentice Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£7.55 per hour
Apprentice Teaching Assistants Temporary – 15 month Apprenticeship Contact Full Time – term time only plus 2 weeks £7.55 per hour Start Date
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner