Purpose

The Policy sets out how the council will deal with breaches of housing law and other related legislation.

The current Housing Enforcement and Licensing Policy was implemented in March 2018.

The revised Policy makes some proposed changes in line with updated legislation including the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 which places additional responsibilities on landlords and gives the council additional powers to enforce against these responsibilities.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has provided recommended guidance that the council should update its Policy to reflect the new changes to legislation.

Decision

RESOLVED that Cabinet recommended the Housing Enforcement and Licensing Policy (appendix 1) to Council for adoption as part of the Council’s Policy Framework.

Reasons for decision

To seek Cabinet’s approval to recommend the Housing Enforcement and Licensing Policy (Appendix 1) to Council for adoption as part of the council’s Policy Framework.

Alternative Options Considered 

Cabinet could have decided not to recommend the Policy for Council’s approval which would mean the current Policy would remain in place. This was not recommended as the updated Policy addresses new and amended legislation and MHCLG had issued recommended guidance that the council should update its Policy.