A council with an overwhelmingly Labour majority is to spend an extra £714,000 in a new clampdown on private landlords.

Wolverhampton council says this is justified to prepare for the Renters Rights Act, much of which comes into effect in May.

A statement says the Act obliges the council to take “a proactive role in regulating the private rented sector, including a duty to enforce landlord legislation, investigate breaches, issue civil penalties, and report on enforcement activity.”

The council says it now has powers “enabling officers to obtain information from landlords, agents, banks, and other organisations, and to enter premises where offences are suspected.”

Labour councillor Steve Evans, the deputy leader, says: “We will not tolerate rogue landlords taking advantage of tenants and we will use powers to investigate and take action, which can include using court injunctions and prosecution.

“There are ever growing demands in this sector, which is why we have taken steps to provide extra funding that will enable the team to protect residents in line with the Renters Right Act.

“This is part of a wider package of housing measures aimed at improving living standards across Wolverhampton for all residents.”

He continues: “Thanks to our track record of managing our money well, combined with a positive financial settlement from Government, we’ve been able to provide the necessary support for this work in the private rented sector and invest in other priority areas for our residents.”