Lack of capacity constrains local authorities’ support to renters and use of enforcement powers. Many local authorities take a light touch or “fire-fighting” approach, as they do not have the capacity to protect tenants and ensure landlords comply with regulations.14 For example, tenancy relations officers provide valuable support to tenants experiencing illegal eviction or harassment, but very few local authorities can afford to have them.15 Only 10 landlords and letting agents have been ban...

Lack of capacity constrains local authorities’ support to renters and use of enforcement powers. Many local authorities take a light touch or “fire-fighting” approach, as they do not have the capacity to protect tenants and ensure landlords comply with regulations.14 For example, tenancy relations officers provide valuable support to tenants experiencing illegal eviction or harassment, but very few local authorities can afford to have them.15 Only 10 landlords and letting agents have been banned by local authorities since new powers were introduced in 2016.16 Shelter reports that 80% of local authority officials said they did not have suffici Type: conclusion | Number: 7 | Response status: under_consideration Government response: 1. PAC conclusion: The considerable uncertainty facing the Programme has caused a loss of the critical skills needed to develop the business case, created delays and increased the risk of nugatory spending and health and safety incidents. 1. PAC recommendati