Coventry, Telford,  Wrekin, Bromsgrove and Redditch among the target areas

Tenants across the West Midlands are set to benefit from an expanded government scheme aimed at tackling rogue landlords and safeguarding taxpayer funds. 

The initiative, led by the Department for Work and Pensions, will empower local authorities in areas including Coventry, Telford, Wrekin Bromsgrove and Redditch to recover housing benefits paid for substandard properties.

Following a successful pilot in three council areas, the programme now extends to 41 local authorities across England, protecting around 400,000 households receiving housing support. 

Councils will gain streamlined access to Universal Credit data, enabling them to pursue Rent Repayment Orders more effectively against landlords who fail to license properties, ignore improvement notices, or maintain homes in poor condition, such as those affected by mould.

Renters’ Rights Act

The expansion coincides with provisions in the Renters’ Rights Act, which doubles the maximum recovery period to 24 months of rent, enhancing deterrence against non-compliant landlords. 

This move is expected to raise living standards by incentivising better practices in the private rented sector while ensuring public money is not wasted on unsafe accommodation.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said no one should endure unsuitable housing. 

He said the tools provided to councils would deter poor practices and deliver better value for taxpayers.

Advocacy group Justice for Tenants hailed the scheme as a victory for responsible landlords, vulnerable renters, and the public purse, noting its potential to fund further enforcement and reduce criminality in the sector.