A petition to stop landlords discriminating against people claiming benefits is to be discussed at a meeting of Sefton’s full council next week.
Calling on the council to take action against the illegal practice of excluding people on benefits from renting properties in the private sector, a petition by Cllr Jen Corcoran claims the research carried out by the councillor found many landlords in Sefton openly refusing to rent to benefit claimants.
According to the petition, a study carried out by Cllr Corcoran found that more than 65% of adverts for the Sefton area on OpenRent stated ‘No DSS’ between October and December, with the figure being higher again for Southport, where 75% of landlords would not accept tenants on benefits.
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The petition calls on the council to use the landlord licensing scheme in a bid to stop the practice of excluding claimants from applying for properties, stating that amendments could be made “to allow for us to revoke a landlord’s licence on the basis that they are no longer considered ‘fit and proper’” on the basis of unlawful discrimination if such tenants are excluded.
It also calls on the council to lobby the government to increase local housing allowance, tackle excessive deposits, establish a government back deposit guarantee scheme and give powers to local councils to investigate and clamp down on benefit discrimination.
Councillors will also be asked to lend support to a campaign by community and housing union ACORN’s ‘yes to DSS’ campaign.
The issue will be discussed at a meeting of Sefton’s full council due to be held next Thursday, January 19 at 6.30pm in Bootle Town Hall.
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