TRAVAIL councilors are due to use a council meeting this afternoon to call for an end to the discriminatory housing practices faced by benefit claimants in the private rental sector.
Brighton and Hove City Council’s Labor group wants to crack down on ‘no DSS’ policies practiced by some landlords and letting agents and wield powers to protect private tenants from discrimination, including by banning orders for rogue landlords.
Although such policies are illegal, research by community union Acorn found that the practice remains widespread in the city, with potential tenants who rely on allowances to pay their rent often being asked to provide a high-income guarantor or to pay several months’ rent in advance.
Labor housing spokeswoman Councilor Gill Williams said: ‘It is our moral obligation as council to stand up for equality and tenants’ rights by condemning discrimination in private housing and to take all the measures at our disposal to eradicate these illegal practices employed by rogue owners. and rental agencies.
“As a city, we rightly oppose discrimination in all its forms – we must show the same resolve on this issue and eradicate discrimination against benefit claimants in the private rental sector.
“If we don’t act on it, exercising our albeit limited enforcement powers and expanding the support we provide to tenants, homelessness will continue to plague our city.”
She also called on the government to step in and keep its promise to end no-fault evictions.
The motion to ban such practices follows a campaign by Acorn to crack down on discrimination against benefit claimants in the private rental sector.
A spokesperson for Acorn said: ‘Discrimination against tenants on benefits and low incomes is a major problem in this town and one that has serious implications for the well-being of those living there. been confronted.
“We need to make sure the council follows through and gets our message straight to landlords and lettings – tenants in Brighton are demanding change.”
Green Councilor Martin Osbourne, the council’s senior private rental sector member, voiced his support for the campaign.
He said: “In the current cost of living crisis, it is essential to de-stigmatize recipients of Universal Credit or any other benefit and ensure they have access to safe, welcoming and affordable housing.
“The practice of discriminating against benefit recipients was banned in 2020, but we have seen evidence that it continues.
“Everyone should have the same opportunity when looking for accommodation and discriminating against someone just because they are receiving benefits is wrong and illegal.”
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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-22 13:49:37
