ACTION to kick out rogue landlords should be extended across the city, councillors have said.

The Evening Times reported last week how seven flats in Govanhill are to be taken over with compulsory purchase orders served on private landlords who have allowed a whole block to become a slum.

The council is using the powers for the first time under Enhanced Enforcement Area status.
Councillors representing other parts of the city want the action in their areas too.

Parkhead, Pollokshields and the West End have also been highlighted as being in need of tough sanctions on private landlords.

Thomas Kerr, Conservative councillor tor Shettleston, said it is likely there will be issues in every council ward.

He said: “It is shameful we get buildings like this. Shame on the landlords. 

“There are buildings in Parkhead in my ward that need action.” 

He called for the special powers available to the council in Govanhill to be rolled out to other areas.

In Parkhead, housing bosses are seeking to take over properties either as a factor or as owner.

James Strang, Chief Executive of Parkhead Housing Association, said he would like greater help with efforts to improve existing housing stock.

He said: “It is giving us cause for concern. We would like the council to assist us in gaining a stronger foothold in certain tenements that are dominated by private landlords who do not invest in the fabric of the buildings.”

He said in some cases any further deterioration could lead to demolition being the only available solution.

He said there are three specific closes that have been raised with the council all owned by multiple private landlords. 

He added: “More powers are needed for enforcement measures against private landlords who are only interested in profit.”

Three closes in Westmuir Street and Tollcross Road have been identified as in urgent need of intervention.

SNP Councillor for Pollokshields, Norman MacLeod said action was also required at properties in Pollokshields.  He said: “I would be delighted if these powers were used 
to chase the bad people away.”

Ken Andrew, SNP Councillor for Hillhead, said there were issues in the West End too. He said: “You would be surprised in somewhere badged as an affluent area just how poor the stock in the West End is.” 

Duncan Thomson, group manager for private sector housing with Glasgow City Council, said the powers for Govanhill are unique and would be difficult to get permission to be applied in other areas.

However, he said the council was using other powers, also used in Govanhill, to target landlords to get them to make improvements.

He said the council was looking to use ‘Prescribed Information’ in some areas where landlords must provide certain documents such as gas safety certificates, 
otherwise a property inspection is triggered, which could lead to enforcement action.