Councils in England have been handed £41million to prepare for their new enforcement powers under the Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into force on 1st May.

The Government’s funding announcement is intended to cover the cost of new legal duties placed on local authorities as they oversee reforms affecting around 11 million private renters.

Wider package

The £41.12million is part of a wider £60million package, following the £18.2million that was allocated last autumn, with all England’s 317 councils set to receive a share.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed (pictured) says: “It’s less than a month until the Renters’ Rights Act begins to transform our private rented sector – a huge manifesto commitment.”

We’ve been preparing councils to use their new powers on the minority of landlords who rip off their tenants, and this new funding will help councils carry out their duties.”

He adds: “We’ve been preparing councils to use their new powers on the minority of landlords who rip off their tenants, and this new funding will help councils carry out their duties.

“Stronger powers and fines will help deter wrongdoing in the first place, as we work towards a better rental system that’s fairer to tenants and good landlords.”

Alongside the council funding, the Government has also confirmed up to £50million will be invested in modernising the civil courts, including digitising processes to handle housing cases more efficiently.

A further £5million a year will go to the housing legal aid sector through fee uplifts, aimed at maintaining access to free advice and support for tenants facing eviction.