Local authorities will be given stronger powers to tackle the worst landlords and increase fines for serious offences under new measures to protect private renters.

The Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper proposed to extend the decent homes standard to the private sector, meaning landlords must ensure private rental properties are free from serious health and safety hazards.

Housing spokesperson for the Local Government Association, David Renard, said: ‘Commitment to extending a legally binding decent homes standard to improve conditions in the private rented sector is positive.

'This reform should be implemented quickly and it is vital councils are sufficiently resourced, through new burdens funding, to support the implementation of the standard.'

Cllr Renard also called for councils to have stronger selective licensing powers by removing the requirement for secretary of state approval for larger schemes.

Chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, Clive Betts, said: ‘I hope the Government will set out in the upcoming Renters Reform Bill how they will give local authorities the resources to deliver effective enforcement and also the powers to levy more substantial fines and take tougher action against landlords.'

Executive member for housing at cross-party London Councils, Darren Rodwell, added: ‘Councils now need strong enforcement powers and resources to help ensure any changes in the law actually succeed in helping tenants and boosting standards in the private rented sector.'