EAST Lancs councils will get a share of a government funding pot to help tackle rogue landlords.

Ten councils across North West, including Burnley and Rossendale, are set to benefit from government funding to ramp up action against the minority of irresponsible landlords who make tenants’ lives a misery

The £375,000 pot is to be used to boost short-term staffing and create new digital tools to help councils better protect tenants.

Burnley Council is to receive £62,000 while Rossendale Council will be getting £18,000 from the pot.

Government bosses say the measures, announced by housing minister Heather Wheeler, build on action taken to protect renters and drive up standards across the sector.

Whilst the majority of landlords provide decent homes for their tenants, it is hoped the cash boost will enable councils to step up action against the small minority who continue to flout the law and force vulnerable tenants such as young families to live in inadequate or unsafe housing.

Ms Wheeler said: “Everyone across the north west has the right to live in a home that is safe and secure, and it is vital we crack down on the small minority of landlords who are not giving their tenants this security.

“This extra funding will further boost the ability to root out rogue landlords and ensure that poor-quality homes in the area are improved, making the housing market fairer for everyone.”

The government has already equipped local authorities with strong powers to tackle criminal landlords, ranging from fines to outright bans for the worst offenders.

The new funding will be used to support a range of projects that councils have said will help them to ramp up action against criminal landlords – for example, to build relationships with external organisations such as the emergency services, legal services and local housing advocates.

Councils may also decide to support tenants to take action against poor standards through rent repayment orders, or develop digital solutions, helping officers to report back and make decisions quicker.

Councils that receive funding will be encouraged to share best practice and examples of innovative approaches, to help improve enforcement in other areas.