Case studies

Greater Manchester Combined Authority is committed to drive up standards in the private rented sector and make a positive difference to the lives of tenants and landlords.

DASH was set up in 2005 as a joint initiative by local authorities, property owners, landlords and tenants in the East Midlands.

The private rented sector has grown considerably over the last two decades and following a stock modelling survey undertaken by the Building Research Establishment, accounts for approximately 29 per cent of the stock (over 58,000 properties).

The private rented sector is the major tenure in the borough with over 40 per cent of households (53,000 households). It has more than doubled since 2003.

The overall focus of the council’s policy is to improve the health and well-being of tenants in the private rented stock, as well as tackling the issues of poverty and deprivation faced by communities.

Addressing the issues in the private rented sector is a well-established priority for the city council.

Given the complexity and depth of the problems it faces, Blackpool council takes a multi-faceted approach to the private rented sector.

Work by housing and police officers in visiting targeted properties, talking with the occupants and assessing the conditions uncovered a range of criminal activity and poor conditions, including exploitation, fraud, sham marriages and human trafficking.

Stoke-on-Trent council is highly ambitious and says in its housing strategy that it sees itself as a facilitator of change.

Gateshead Care and Health System has drawn on its history of strong relationships to support residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. System partners have shared their experience of using their collective system leadership approach with the Care and Health Improvement Team as they reflect on what they want to keep and build on.