Inquiry Into Alternative Housing

Bristol-based charity Alternative Housing came to unwelcome prominence in May 2017 when it topped a list of the UK's most-prosecuted landlords compiled by the Guardian newspaper. The Guardian found that the charity, which had received thousands of pounds in housing benefit in connection with its object of 'relieving those in need' by providing them with accommodation, had been convicted of six breaches of housing regulations. These convictions included the 'failure to ensure all parts of the property were maintained in a safe and working condition', 'failure to ensure the internal structure of the property was maintained in good repair', and failure to ensure that water supplies, drainage systems, firefighting equipment and fire alarms had been kept in working order.

Although the Charity Commission was not responsible for investigating the...