Purpose

The item seeks the approval of two new policies, required following the implementation of the Act.

•         Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy

•         Civil Financial Penalty Policy - Private Sector Housing

It also seeks agreement that delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director – Place for future minor amends to those policies, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder.

The policy templates have been made available to local authorities in England by the Association of Chief Environmental Health Officers in England with input from several local authorities and significant support from Justice for Tenants (including legal oversight and their member engagement).

•         Both new policies are formulated based on legislative requirements and government guidance for local authorities. A full public consultation and impact assessment process was undertaken for the Act itself and subsequent guidance.

•         The report and policies were subject to pre-decision scrutiny at Growth and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel on 20th July 2026: Item 7 - Growth and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel, 20th July 2026.

- no significant issues arising.

- minor wording amends to the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy reflecting that future phases of the Renters’ Rights Act will be implemented based on a timeline prescribed by government (as yet unknown).

•         The Act and policies have been discussed at the Housing and Physical Communities Portfolio Holder Briefing with Cllr P James (28th July 2026).

- no significant issues arising.

Decision

RESOLVED –

1)    That approval be given to the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy

2)    That approval be given to the Civil Financial Penalty Policy - Private Sector Housing.

3)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director – Place, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, to make any minor amendments required to the above-named policies.