Starring role for Wolverhampton in new BBC One show

The Housing Enforcers is a month long series of 20 episodes revealing the reality of life for people living in council houses as well as privately-owned rundown houses.

Programme-makers are working with Wolverhampton council to show how housing officers battle to keep homes up to a good standard.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Assets, said: "We are incredibly proud of the work our housing officers do.

"This show demonstrates just how difficult their jobs can be and how professional they are in dealing with the hurdles they face in ensuring housing standards are maintained across the board."

The show also covers different areas of the UK. The first episode revealed one of the dirtiest homes in the UK, in Kent, with presenter Matt Allwright teaming up with Glyn Pritchard of Swale Borough Council to clean up the residents' act.

The privately-owned house that was attracting complaints from local residents was found to be packed full of rubbish, including a 5ft tower of empty beer cans and human faeces stored in lunch boxes in the living room.

Climbing through the window to gain entry, the presenter and housing enforcer Pritchard wore special masks and gloves to inspect the extent of the damage in the property. Vermin droppings were found and the presenter Matt Allwright described the house as a "combat zone."

Mr Allwright said "Every year more of us rent the homes that we live in, and every year rents go up. For those of us chasing cheaper housing, that can mean enduring living conditions so bad that they break the law."

Councillor Bilson added: "As a council we have a wide package of housing measures in place aimed at improving standards across Wolverhampton and The Housing Enforcers programme illustrates some of these being put into action."

Other aspects of the show include helping homeless families find suitable accommodation.

The show airs on weekdays on BBC One at 9.15am.