'We're here to support you' - New £27k Fylde Council fund to help tenants ahead of Renters' Rights Act 2025
More than £27,000 in Government funding will be used by Fylde Council to strengthen support for private renters under new housing laws being introduced shortly.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 coming into force on May 1 is the most significant reform to the private rented sector in more than 30 years.
It will introduce wide-ranging new rights for private renters, by abolishing Section 21 "no-fault" evictions, ending fixed-term tenancies in favour of periodic tenancies, and capping rent increases to once a year.
The Act is intended to strengthen tenant security, introducing a landlord registry, and applying the Decent Homes Standard.
Fylde Council has approved plans to use £27,307.17 in Government New Burdens Funding to prepare its Housing Service for the changes and says it is working hard behind the scenes to ensure its teams are ready to help residents navigate the changes with confidence.
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The funding received from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will help the council build capacity across homelessness prevention, housing advice and private sector enforcement, so residents have access to the right support when they need it.
Coun Chris Dixon, Fylde Council’s Portfolio Holder for Social Wellbeing, said: "We want every resident in Fylde who rents their home to know that we are here to support them.
“This funding means we can put the right people and resources in place ahead of May, so that when the new rights come in, our community can access the help and advice they deserve."
The Government says that reform of the sector is long overdue, with a spokesperson adding: “While the majority of landlords provide a good service, the private rented sector currently provides the least affordable, poorest quality and most insecure housing of all tenures.”
Under The New Burdens Doctrine, UK government departments are required to fully fund new duties, powers, or statutory changes they place on local authorities, ensuring they don't drive up council tax.
The policy aims to ensure that when central government requires local authorities to do something new or additional, they receive the necessary funding.