The Private Rented Sector has in my opinion a great part to play within the Merseyside economy, although this could be seriously affected when government financial spending cuts come into force from April 1, 2011.

From April 2011 the government is to cap property rents across the country, and as a result of this many landlords will find that their rental income has considerably dropped. During that month as well the £15 cash back payment currently claimed by DSS families with three to four children,but living in smaller rented accommodation will cease.

The government to save money has also decided to do away with the five bedroom rate, so from next April five bedroom plus properties will only be rated as a four bedroom property by the rent officer.

However what should worry both landlords and those tenants currently on Housing Benefit Assistance, are the reductions to Local Housing Allowance weekly Rent Payments due to come into force from Saturday October 1, 2011.

Many landlords have already publicly stated that they will not take DSS tenants once the cuts take effect, and also intend to ask for extra top-up payments should a tenant move onto the new rate but still wishes to remain in the property.

In other words the Private Rented Sector faces both utter chaos,a large increase in evictions, simply because those tenants who need local authority rent payment assistance will not be able to afford to pay any more money or find decent rented accommodation.

Therefore the only type of rented property that tenants might find available and can afford, are sub-standard ones which still exist throughout Merseyside. Heaven help the local economy, that is all I can say.

If you would like to write the Have Your Say column then email us at business@liverpool.com