CORNWALL Council has been successful in bidding for £127,500 from the Government to tackle rogue landlords.

In November, 65 local authorities were invited to bid for a share of £5m funding.

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis has now announced that Cornwall is one of 48 councils across the country to receive funds.

Mr Lewis said: ‘Many private rental tenants are happy with their home and the service they receive but there are still rogue landlords that exploit vulnerable people and force their tenants to live in overcrowded and squalid accommodation.

‘We are determined to tackle these rogues which is why we are providing 48 councils with extra funding, so they can get rid of the cowboy operators and bring an end to tenants living in miserable homes in the name of profit.

‘We also want to raise the quality and choice of rental accommodation. The funding will ensure tenants know what level of service they can expect and have confidence to get help and take action if things go wrong.’

Cornwall Councillor Joyce Duffin said: ‘The successful bid and receipt of this large amount of funding is great news for Cornwall.

‘The vast majority of tenants in Cornwall receive a satisfactory service from their landlords and letting agents but a small number do not and are faced with living in hazardous and poorly-maintained accommodation.

‘The money will be used to identify and then tackle rogue landlords or agents to improve the living conditions of people renting in Cornwall.’