Liverpool City Council has received a £2 million injection from the government to establish a proactive task force targeting landlords engaging in various criminal activities within the housing sector. The newly formed unit, known as the Private Sector Housing Intelligence and Enforcement Task Force, aims to identify and curb illicit actions carried out by landlords.
This initiative, led by Liverpool Council, is poised to foster collaboration among multiple agencies, including law enforcement and children’s services, by facilitating the sharing of critical information. The primary focus of the task force will be on addressing intricate cases, often characterized by tenants’ reluctance to report crimes due to fears of retaliation.
Dedicated to tackling what the council terms as the ‘most complex types of cases,’ the team will extend its reach beyond city borders, partnering with neighbouring local authorities. This strategic approach aligns with the recognition that implicated landlords frequently own properties spanning multiple jurisdictions.
It’s essential to note the task force’s distinction from the contentious landlord licensing scheme already operational in Liverpool, encompassing roughly 70% of privately-rented accommodations in the city.
Sarah Doyle, Liverpool council’s cabinet member for housing, highlighted the severity of the issue: “Criminal landlords might exploit properties for drug storage, human trafficking, or illegal labour. Despite police awareness of these occurrences, there’s been a gap in connecting with council services. We aim to bridge this gap, ensuring that whenever police conduct raids, we are informed if the property is linked to a landlord.”
Emphasizing the impact on residents, Doyle added, “Tenants often feel too intimidated to voice their concerns and require the necessary support to report these activities. The resulting fear confines people to their homes, leading to a decline in once vibrant communities. A single property’s misconduct can significantly alter the entire neighbourhood dynamic.”
The establishment of this task force underscores the commitment to address landlord-related criminality while empowering tenants to speak up without fear, thereby fostering safer and more secure living environments across Liverpool.