The UK government today commenced a trial whereby landlords are required to undertake checks to ensure that potential tenants are not illegal immigrants. Any landlord failing to undertake the proper checks faces a fine of up to £3,000.
Thus, having failed to properly police illegal immigration at our national borders, politicians are making private citizens and companies responsible for the job instead.
Although some may argue that the private sector will do better than the UK Border Agency, is it reasonable to fine offenders for failing to do a job that the government has failed to do itself?
The rules would also "act as a new line of attack against unscrupulous landlords who exploit people by renting out overcrowded and unsafe accommodation" said Securities Minister James Brokenshire.
Am I alone in thinking that the unscrupulous and exploitive landlords referred to by Mr. Brokenshire are the very people who, having ignored existing legislation, will ignore this legislation also?
This was first posted at ReceptConsult.blogspot.co.uk on 1st December 2014