Rogue Landlords
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In 2013 the Government invited bids from Local
Authorities for funding from a £3m fund to tackle
Rogue Landlords
Background
HMOs
 Private Sector Housing Stock Survey of 2006
estimated there to be approx 2000 HMOs in Luton
 estimated that 12.4% of HMOs had at least one
Category 1 hazard and that 30.4% failed the
decent homes standard
Background
Empty Homes
 In 2012 Luton had 1,344 empty homes with nearly
half empty for more than 6 months. A resident
survey had shown that 64% of respondents gave
as their top priority ‘empty homes’- bringing them
back into use
Background
Beds in Sheds
 Evidence to suggest that a number of properties
have been constructed at the bottom of gardens
and are being used as residential accommodation.
The Council has relied on information received
from Luton residents but is concerned that the
problem is more widespread but as yet
unquantified.
The Bid
Modest bid seeking £45,700 from the fund (which
needs to be match-funded) to set up a multiagency team to undertake a targetted street
survey raising awareness amongst the Town and
identifying properties and, taking action in respect
of against HMOs, Beds in Sheds and Empty
Homes where appropriate
Partners
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Fire Authority
the Home Office
Luton Citizen Advice Bureau
Luton Law Centre
The Police
Additionally - Community Safety and Anti-Social Behaviour
Team; Private Sector Housing HMO team, Housing Benefit
Officers, ASBO Officers, Planning Enforcement, Building
Control officers and Noise Pollution team.
Result
Unfortunately the bid was not successful although
partners to the bid remained supportive and
elements of the original bid have progressed where
possible without the additional funding as follows:
Progress
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Fire Authority – the Fire authority have more than
doubled their contribution to £45,000 to help the
project continue. Officers have worked closely
with the Fire Authority to share data and
information
Luton Law Centre – work is underway to produce
factsheets giving advice on key issues
Progress
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the Home Office – Officers are working with the
Home Office to share data and information
Luton Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) –
arrangements are in place to allow fast-tracking of
members of the public identified by CAB affected
by Rogue Landlord issues, through to the relevant
Council Departments. CAB have identified
funding to help with production of advice leaflets
Detail
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Private Sector Housing Officer (37hpw) – 1 year contract
Planning Enforcement Officer (20hpw) – 1 year contract
Fire Officer (37hpw) – 1 year secondment
Publicity – joint leaflet and advertising (jointly funded by
LBC, CAB and Fire Authority)
Questions
?