Councils target rogue landlords

The Government cash will help councils inspect more properties Credit: PA

Seven North West councils have successfully applied for Government funding to tackle rogue landlords. They are among 48 local authorities in England which will share a £5 million fund aimed at cracking down on landlords who force tenants to live in squalid conditions. The money will help the councils to carry out raids, inspect properties, survey more streets and demolish sheds and other prohibited buildings.

  • Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

  • Blackpool Borough Council

  • Burnley Borough Council

  • Liverpool City Council

  • Manchester City Council

  • Pendle Borough Council

  • Salford City Council

Manchester City Council says it will spend its share of the money, £60,000, on creating a small proactive team working for three months with a focus on private lets above shops in deprived areas. It says many of the city's 9,000 flats above commercial premised are in good condition, but it is aware of problems in some areas where substandard flats have been sublet or provided as part of employment.