Right-to-Rent pilot scheme

A report out yesterday from the Express and Star,  publication covering towns throughout the “Black Country” highlights how the scheme to prosecute landlords for letting to illegal immigrants is working or maybe “not working that well”.

The scheme was introduced in the towns of  Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Dudley,  Walsall and Birmingham by the government as a pilot scheme to introduce tougher rules in dealing with renting property to illegal immigrants,  to ensure that landlords carry out stricter checks on tenants to whom they rent to. However since the launch last December only seven people have reportedly been prosecuted and fined an average of £800 each.

The Government has announced that the “Right to Rent” scheme will be rolled out across the country in an effort to take greater control over illegal immigration, a response to a growing crisis  where every day we see and hear of migrants making their way to Britain from France via Calais.

When the Express & Star asked the Home Office for an update on the scheme they were told it was ‘currently the subject of an evaluation which will be published in due course’. however  a Freedom of Information Act request has revealed the current figures across the whole of the Black Country and Birmingham.

It does not appear to me that the Government and especially the Home office is doing anything effective to stem the flow of illegal immigration to Britain, quite honestly to the ordinary man in the street it has become a complete joke, only yesterday after all the talk of new and stronger measures to increase security at the channel crossing we hear of a lorry driven by  a Polish Driver being stopped on the motorway with numbers of “illegals” inside. The Governement have lost control, that is if the ever had any,  David Cameron needs to show some backbone and take a stronger position, the British Public are totally frustrated by the situation and a backlash will happen very soon if the PM and the Home office do not start to show some effectiveness.

 

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Homebuyer demand fall in Q3

The latest sales demand data from eXp UK has revealed that homebuyer demand in England slipped by -1.6% in Q3 2026. The analysis shows that just five counties managed positive growth during the quarter, suggesting that buyers may be holding back, adopting a wait-and-see approach ahead of what promises to be a vital Autumn Budget –…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Alterations can change a property’s rebuild cost

‘Don’t get caught short’ warning to homeowners from valuations experts – alterations can change a property’s rebuild cost Properties change over time. Homeowners may add an extension, upgrade a kitchen or bathroom, alter the layout, or even change how the building is used, but when do those changes mean it’s time for a new rebuild…
Read More →
Breaking News

HMO conversions hit investors for £82,000 on average

The average cost of converting a property into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) is estimated at more than £82,000 across England, according to new research by residential property management specialist, Rushbrook, although investors looking to avoid the conversion process have more than 2,500 existing licensed HMOs available to purchase. Rushbrook analysed HMO property listings across…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Selling a HAUNTED house?

Property lawyer reveals whether you have to tell buyers about ghosts    HOMEOWNERS selling a property with a spooky reputation have been warned that its haunted history could come back to bite them if a nervous buyer starts asking questions. From unexplained footsteps and doors opening by themselves to tales of former residents refusing to…
Read More →
Breaking News

Renters call for greater transparency in HMOs

National findings released as 1 in 5 tenants report feeling unsafe at some point during their tenancy because of a housemate Rising housing costs pushing more people towards shared accommodation      42% of tenants received no information about their housemates before moving in 60% wish they had known more about who they would be living with…
Read More →
Breaking News

Housing Insight Report: August 2026

August’s figures reveal a housing market where activity continues, but buyers are taking a more cautious approach, making realistic pricing and negotiation increasingly important. Meanwhile, growing tenant demand and limited rental supply continue to create challenges across the lettings market, highlighting the different pressures facing buyers, sellers, landlords and renters. Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark,…
Read More →