Local MP welcomes Government action to tackle Council House rent abuse

Andrew Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire, has welcomed Government action aimed at tackling the abuse of Council house tenants who sublet their houses at market rates.

The practice, which is not currently an offence, is estimated to cost the taxpayer between £5 billion and £10 billion a year.

Cllr Roger Bayliss, representing the Conservative group on North West Leicestershire District Council, also welcomed moves to end the practice.

He said: “There are people in desperate need of housing on the waiting list in North West Leicestershire and it cannot be right that current tenants are profiting at the expense of both those in need of housing and the Council taxpayers in North West Leicestershire.”

New laws will also ensure people earning six figure salaries such as Union leader Bob Crow who currently lives in social housing will now pay a market rent.

Andrew said: “I am pleased that the Coalition is determined to end this scandal. Why should someone on a six-figure income enjoy a fantastically subsidised council rent, whilst those in real need languish on the waiting list?

“And why is it so easy to get away with subletting your council house at market rent and simply pocketing up to a thousand pounds a week at taxpayers’ expense?

“We have a responsibility on behalf of every hard-working taxpayer to bring the scandal of housing tenancy fraud and abuse to an end. 2012 will be the year that we act.”