Italy's ATERP accused of debt‑sale scheme harming vulnerable tenants

CODACONS, a citizens' watchdog, alleges that the public housing agency ATERP has been allowing large credit claims to lapse uncollected, then transferring the expired debts in bulk to a collection firm. By doing so, the agency shifts the burden of proof and repayment onto low‑income renters, pensioners and families who lack the resources to dispute the claims. The organisation warns that this practice constitutes a severe ethical breach of public administration, effectively forcing vulnerable citizens to pay for administrative failures.

If the Court of Auditors confirms these allegations, the operation could be deemed a “social slaughter” in which public funds are mismanaged and the costs are imposed on the most defenseless taxpayers.