Panorama · Season 74 · Episode 32

The Big Housing Rip-Off

Monday, October 19 · 29 min

Birmingham has a big and very expensive housing problem. Many vulnerable people, including victims of domestic violence and those facing homelessness, are not getting the supported housing they’ve been promised and the government has paid for, leaving them even more at risk. Meanwhile, some of the housing providers and agents responsible are making big profits from taxpayers' money. Reporter Michael Buchanan meets residents who say they've been trapped in substandard accommodation, receiving little or no support, and traces those responsible. He also meets neighbours who are concerned about a rise in antisocial behaviour, speaks to charities and local politicians who are outraged at the misuse of public funds and asks: why is this housing rip-off being allowed to continue?