Key Points
- Bolton Council is expanding its Housing Standards Team by recruiting more apprentices to tackle rogue landlords.
- The Housing Standards Team currently has two apprentices recruited in 2023, with plans to add two more.
- New apprentices will work towards their Advanced Certification in Private Sector Housing Enforcement.
- The council highlights the rising number of households in privately rented homes both nationally and in Bolton.
- There is a concern about unscrupulous landlords exploiting tenants with substandard and unsafe homes.
- The council is committed to safeguarding tenants by enforcing high housing standards.
- The apprenticeship scheme is part of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Good Landlord Scheme.
- The council aims to create new career opportunities through this initiative.
What is Bolton Council doing to tackle rogue landlords?
Bolton Council has announced plans to double the size of its Housing Standards Team, focusing on cracking down on landlords who fail to meet required housing standards. As reported by Bolton Council, the local authority initially recruited two apprentices in 2023 but is now set to bring on an additional two to bolster enforcement efforts.
The newly recruited apprentices will undertake their Advanced Certification in Private Sector Housing Enforcement while working for the council. Upon completion of their qualifications, they are expected to secure full-time roles within the team. This approach is intended not only to provide a more robust enforcement presence but also to foster career opportunities for local residents looking to enter housing enforcement.
Why is there a need for increased enforcement in Bolton’s private rental sector?
A spokesperson for Bolton Council highlighted the significant increase in privately rented households, saying,
"The proportion of households across the country who are in privately rented homes has almost doubled since 2004 and this change has been reflected in Bolton too."
The spokesperson went on to emphasise the risks posed by certain landlords, stating,
"Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous landlords out there who exploit people’s desperation, and the standard of some private rented accommodation is nowhere near good enough."
The council’s commitment to tenant safety is clear:
"Nobody should have to live in a home which isn’t safe, or which makes them ill, and the council is committed to upholding the highest possible housing standards."
How will the new apprentices help improve housing standards?
Bolton Council believes that increasing their Housing Standards Team will provide
"extra capacity to tackle more of those whose substandard properties put tenants at risk."
This expansion will allow the council to carry out more inspections and enforcement actions against landlords failing to meet legal standards.
Moreover, training enforcement officers internally is described as a way to
"create exciting opportunities to anyone looking for a new career where they can make a real difference too,"
according to the council’s spokesperson. The apprenticeship route couples practical enforcement work with certified training, equipping officers with the skills needed to enforce housing regulations effectively.
What is the Good Landlord Scheme?
The apprenticeships offered are part of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Good Landlord Scheme. This initiative aims to encourage responsible landlord behaviour and support councils in improving housing quality across the region.
By collaborating with schemes like the Good Landlord Scheme, Bolton Council aligns itself with broader regional efforts to ensure tenants live in safe, decent homes and to reduce the incidence of poor landlord practices.
What financial challenges is Bolton Council facing alongside this initiative?
While Bolton Council is making strides in improving private housing standards, it is also navigating significant financial pressures. According to Bolton Council’s Statement of Accounts for 2024/25, the council has had to implement cuts of approximately £233 million since 2011 due to increased service demands, inflation, and funding reductions.
With an annual net budget of around £303 million (excluding schools), the council faces further savings targets of about £7.8 million for 2025–27. These financial constraints present challenges for service delivery, including housing enforcement.
Bolton Council’s budget plans highlight the need for continued financial prudence, even as it works towards expanding its Housing Standards Team.
How is Bolton Council managing its budget in light of these challenges?
A recent budget report states that the council anticipates a £25 million budget shortfall over four years, with £8.2 million in cuts expected in the 2025–27 period. To manage this, the council plans to use a combination of reserves and income increases, but difficult decisions may be required to protect frontline services.
Despite these pressures, Bolton Council remains committed to maintaining and enhancing key services, including housing standards enforcement, recognising its critical role in community wellbeing.