Companies are being accused of exploiting the welfare system by targeting people who receive housing benefit and treating them as a source of income.
Agents have reportedly used social media videos to attract potential residents with offers including free rooms and holidays. The marketing is aimed at people receiving housing benefit, although the available information does not specify how many individuals or companies are involved.
The practice has been described as using residents as “cash cows”, implying that businesses may view benefit recipients primarily as a way to generate revenue rather than as people seeking accommodation and support.
The material available does not include details of the companies involved, the locations where the offers were made, or any response from the businesses or public authorities. It is also unclear whether any formal investigations or enforcement measures have followed.