Decision details

The Executive received a report which sought to advise Members of changes to existing housing enforcement legislation and suggest changes to the Council’s enforcement policy.

The Private Sector Housing Team Leader presented the report and answered Member questions as follows:

·         Approximately 400 complaints relating to housing conditions were received annually of which approx. 200 required the Council to take action.  Officers worked with landlords and the majority undertook such works but where this wasn’t the case the Council had powers to serve notices to ensure works were completed to satisfactory standards.  30 notices had been issued in 2016.  The changes proposing to be introduced would enable the Council to issue civil penalties on landlords rather than using the criminal process.

·         There was currently no public register in England which listed private sector landlords; and

·         Landlords who had been issued with a notice had the ability to appeal to a first tier tribunal; those issued with a penalty would be able to appeal to the local authority regards the value of the penalty.  These rights of appeal would be listed on any notice or penalty that had been issued.

Resolved

(a)       That the changes to the Housing Enforcement Policy to include the implementation of civil penalties and rent repayment orders be approved;

(b)       That minor changes to the existing enforcement policy be approved.