The UK government has announced plans to restrict benefit payments to criminal landlords who run substandard supported housing. This initiative coincides with a £300 million allocation for new affordable housing.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government aims to deliver 2,800 additional affordable homes within the next year. Local authorities will also receive £50 million—£20 million in new funding and £30 million reallocated—to create 250 homes, reducing reliance on poor-quality temporary accommodation such as B&Bs.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner described the current situation as “unacceptable,” highlighting the need for long-term solutions. She reiterated Labour’s commitment to building 1.5 million homes through the Plan for Change.

Tackling Exploitative Landlords

The government will outline its strategy next week to curb rogue landlords who exploit uncapped housing benefits. Labour has cited severe cases where criminal gangs purchase large properties, housing vulnerable people in mouldy, unsafe rooms. Some victims, including rape survivors, have been placed with sex offenders. These landlords also fail to address drug use and anti-social behaviour, particularly in Blackpool, Birmingham, Blackburn, and Hull.

New Licensing and Housing Expansion

Labour plans to introduce a licensing scheme and stricter standards while expanding social housing. The £500 million Budget allocation aims to build up to 5,000 affordable homes, supplementing an £11.5 billion programme to deliver 130,000 homes by 2026.

However, the Conservatives argue that housing shortages will persist due to rising immigration pressures.