Issue - meetings

Report of the Chief Executive (Copy herewith)

1.    Cabinet approved the Private Sector Housing Civil Penalties Policy (attached to the report as Appendix A) with effect from 1 August 2017;

2.    Cabinet approved the amended Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy (attached to this report as Appendix B) with effect from 1 August 2017; and

3.    Cabinet approved the amended Private Sector Housing Fees & Charges Policy (attached to this report as Appendix C) with effect from 1 August 2017.

Councillor Stone stated that she had concerns that the number of people living in the private rented sector was rising at an alarming rate and commented that whilst it was important to have a policy to deal with rogue landlords more needed to be done to address the diminished powers of Local Authorities with regards to building regulations. She questioned whether there was the capacity to adequately enforce the proposed policy.

In response to the comments from Councillor Stone, Councillor Hibbert explained that the Housing & Planning Act 2016 had introduced new powers for Local Authorities to impose civil penalties to rogue landlords rather than being required to prosecute. The introduction of civil penalties and extended rent repayment orders would allow the Council to challenge irresponsible landlords and improve standards in the private sector and ensure private rented accommodation is safe, well managed and properly maintained.

He expressed his confidence in the enforcement team and that money generated could, if necessary, be used to increase staffing levels. It was noted that the work undertaken by the Council had been recognised by other local authorities and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

The Leader stated that he welcomed the report and commented that private sector had increased significantly and emphasised the importance of the Council being able to regulate it.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Private Sector Housing Civil Penalties Policy (attached to the report as Appendix A) be approved with effect from 1 August 2017;

2.    That the amended Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy (attached to this report as Appendix B) be approved with effect from 1 August 2017; and

3.    That the amended Private Sector Housing Fees & Charges Policy (attached to this report as Appendix C) be approved with effect from 1 August 2017.