An investigation into the controversial supported exempt accommodation sector in Birmingham is probing damning claims that council officials are a 'soft touch' for dodgy landlords. Birmingham City Council has pledged to produce an action plan and recommendations once its investigations are completed. READ MORE: Council probe under way into 'mass fraud' and 'soft touch' claims over Birmingham exempt hostels‌The probe aims to assess whether officers are overseeing the sector effectively and handling exempt housing benefit claims correctly. What the council saysBirmingham City Council has said previously: "The council has robust processes, similar to any other council around supported exempt accommodation and, in some cases, goes beyond other councils. "The Department for Work and Pensions has conducted a performance review of Birmingham City Council's housing benefit allocation related to supported exempt accommodation.