Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

UK Councils Fail to Act on 300,000 Tenant Complaints

11/17/2025

34 8

Summary

Story summary

In England, two-thirds of councils have not prosecuted any landlords in the past three years, despite 300,000 tenant complaints about unfit housing.
From 2022 to 2024, councils issued 640 prosecutions and 4,702 civil penalty notices, so fewer than 2% of complaints resulted in formal action.
Councils warn funding cuts hinder enforcement, while the government says £18 million extra funding is insufficient for the new enforcement demands.

1 of 1

Story summary

In England, two-thirds of councils have not prosecuted any landlords in the past three years, despite 300,000 tenant complaints about unfit housing.
From 2022 to 2024, councils issued 640 prosecutions and 4,702 civil penalty notices, so fewer than 2% of complaints resulted in formal action.
Councils warn funding cuts hinder enforcement, while the government says £18 million extra funding is insufficient for the new enforcement demands.