Prompt enforcement action on the “box home” that had been advertised for rent in Oldham town centre sets a standard for enforcement that must be continued.

The cramped room with a chemical toilet, which was advertised as a home for rent on social media, has been inspected by the Environmental Health team at the Council, and formal notice is being served to prevent it from being rented out.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani followed up the incident with officers. “I was pleased to hear that they were already taking action. It is important that the enforcement teams do their job, and are seen to be doing it.”

The shadow cabinet member for housing had said that the “home” was one of the worst examples he had ever seen of substandard housing. It had barely enough room for a fold out bed and a chemical toilet.

He continued: “There are many good landlords about, but not enough are up to those standards, and this example shows what could have happened. I hope that the teams continue to set this kind of standard in combatting housing that is not fit for human habitation.

“Too many people in Oldham are struggling to make ends meet, and they need to know that their Council and their Councillors are fighting every day to make sure they are not taken advantage of.