Decision details

(i)           That the Cabinet Member for Housing approved the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy and accompanying civil penalties matrix as set out in appendices 2 and 3 of the report.

(ii)          That the Cabinet Member for Housing agreed that the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy, and accompanying civil penalties matrix and appendices 2 and 3 of the report be uploaded to the website and included in publication lists for the authority.

(iii)         That the Cabinet Member for Housing agreed that the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy, and accompanying civil penalties matrix as set out in appendices 2 and 3 of the report is reviewed on a regular basis or as the need arises from factors such as changes to legislation.

(iv)         That the Cabinet Member for Housing delegated authority to the Director of Public Protection and Licensing to approve minor modifications and updates to the policy.

(v)          That the Cabinet Member for Housing agreed that delegated authority to carry out enforcement and issue penalty notices arising from the Housing and Planning Act 2016 is given to an Officer authorised by the Executive Director of Growth, Planning and Housing.

(vi)         That the Cabinet Member for Housing noted that the recommendations agreed will be implemented promptly.

Reasons for Decision 

1.            Under the City for All Objectives, Residential Services committed to tighten up enforcement processes and respond to new legislation. We have therefore developed a Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy which outlines the enforcement approach and the available enforcement powers we have at our disposal to manage non-compliance with the law within a private housing setting.

2.            The Policy seeks to:

·         Clearly set out in one place our approach to enforcement and the range of enforcement options available to officers under multiple pieces of legislation

·         Ensure our enforcement is consistent and transparent

·         Ensure all new legislation is incorporated and acted on within working practices.  This includes clearly stating what monetary amounts will be charged if a civil penalty is issued - The Housing and Planning Act 2016 introduced a new financial penalty regime in April 2017, permitting local authorities to impose a civil penalty of up to £30,000.