Purpose

This report seeks Cabinet approval for the adoption of the Housing Enforcement Policy, which sets out the Council’s approach to enforcing housing standards across the borough. The policy provides a clear framework for addressing non-compliance by landlords and property owners, ensuring safe and habitable housing for residents. The policy supports the Council’s commitment to improving housing quality, reducing hazards, and protecting tenants’ rights, outlining enforcement options, including informal action, civil penalties, and prosecution where necessary.

Decision

For the reasons set out in the report, the Executive Mayor and Cabinet resolved to AGREE:

1. 1.1      To approve the Housing Enforcement Policy as set out in Appendix A;
2. 1.2      To note the use of New Burdens grant funding to implement resourcing of the implementation of the new policy;
3. 1.3      To grant authority to the Corporate Director of Housing to approve minor variations to the policy in consultation with the Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing.