THERE has been a dramatic increase in the number of private renters in Swindon since the turn of the century, new figures show.

Between 2001, when figures where last available, and 2011, there were an extra 8,500 privately-rented households.

As a proportion of total residential properties in Swindon, this rise represents a doubling, from 8 per cent to 16 per cent.

The figures have prompted Swindon Council to consider options to improve the market for both tenants and landlords.

There are a number of reasons for the increase, including a huge increase in house prices, difficulties in securing borrowing and stagnant wages.

A housing strategy is now being developed by the council, which will look to address some of the problems associated with the industry.

Tenants in Swindon often complain at the varying degrees of quality with landlords, while home owners talk of the high costs of repairing properties damaged by short-term tenants.

Therefore, a solution is being looked for that will help to meet the needs of both parties.

Among the options being considered by the council include setting up a comprehensive licensing system for landlords, although there is an acknowledgement this is an extreme measure.

Other possibilities include setting up an optional standards charter or a scheme for tenants to provide feedback on landlords.

A draft plan on the housing plan said: “The support for the establishment of a new private rented sector offer as stated in the Action Plan would be expected to drive up standards across the sector in Swindon through the action of normal market competition.

“However, it is clear that the normal market dynamics do not always operate in the private rented sector in the way we may expect.

“In the internet age, it is expected that potential customers are able to discover what other consumers have experienced in terms of customer service from product and service providers.”

The leader of the opposition, Jim Grant (Lab, Rodbourne Cheney), welcomed the move but said it was important action was taken.

He said: “Labour councillors have in the past suggested the council working with institutions like pension funds to build private rented housing with longer-term tenures to give tenants greater security and more sustainable rent increases.

“It appears the cabinet are considering this idea without committing to it.

“But we also need to do more to ensure the quality of private rented housing is high for our residents, as that is why the Labour Party have proposed ideas like a new National Private Rented Property Standard and less red-tape for local authorities to be able to get tougher with bad landlords.”