Decision

RESOLVED:

1)    That the ongoing responsibilities of the Housing Standards Team be noted.

2)    That the updated Enforcement Policy and appendices, as attached to the report, be noted and approved.

3)    That, subject to final comments of Members, the Strategic Director of Growth and Development, in consultation with the Executive Member for Growth and Development, be authorised to finalise the design and format of the updated Enforcement Policy prior to publication.

4)    That the proposal to issue fines, charging rates for non-compliance and for failure to address poor housing conditions by landlords, be noted and approved.

5)    That the statutory powers granted by the Council to the Environmental Health Officers in the Housing Standards team to carry out their duties as required under the Housing Act 2004 and other relevant legislation be noted.

6)    That it be authorised for the Head of Housing (subject to 7 below) to secure the services as required of Government approved companies, such as Justice for Tenants to support enforcement action.

7)    That in liaison with the Strategic Director of Growth and Development, authority be delegated to the Executive Member for Growth and Development, to approve future operational requirements for the team to deliver emerging actions under the Renters Rights Act and other Government legislation, within approval limits as per the Council’s Constitution.