Content

11.1

Private Housing Standards is
responsible for the regulation of properties in the private sector.
The Intervention and Enforcement Policy gives the rationale and
standards of enforcement that the service provides. It is a public
document that sets out our approach and decision-making
process.
 
The Policy was last reviewed in
2018 and it is important that Councils regularly review their
policies to ensure they are fit for purpose. This review has
resulted in the service identifying benefits by changing its
approach.
 
This report seeks approval for
the proposed changes to the Private Housing Standards Intervention
and Enforcement Policy.

 

 

11.2

RESOLVED
UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy
Committee:-
 

1.    
approves the content of the revised Intervention and
Enforcement Policy, which forms part of the Private Sector Housing
Services Policy, in the form attached at Appendix 1, for
implementation from 1st May 2024; and
 

2.    
grants delegated authority to the Director of
Housing, in consultation with the Chair of the Housing Policy
Committee, to make, where necessary, any minor amendments and
updates to the policy that are required to reflect any
organisational or legislative changes which take place prior to the
policy being formally reviewed by the Housing Policy
Committee.

 

 

11.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

11.3.1

By approving the proposed
changes this will enable the Service to ensure dangerous properties
are made legally compliant in a shorter timeframe, thereby,
reducing the time period during which
occupants are subjected hazardous living conditions.

 

 

11.3.2

The Service will become more
streamlined in its delivery of service, as it will be able to
dedicate more resources to targeting and sanctioning the worst
landlords, while not penalising compliant landlords, resulting in a
fairer system for all.

 

 

11.3.3

There is the potential for an
increase in the number of criminal sanctions being brought against
non-compliant landlords, due to the increased frequency of formal
enforcement action being taken and the removal of the initial
informal approach. Not only will this hopefully bring about a
change in attitude in previously non-compliant landlords but will
also bring about a potential for increased revenue for the Service
through the imposition of financial penalties for certain breaches
of housing law.

 

 

11.3.4

Security of tenure for
residents in the private rented sector will be increased, as they
will no longer feel threatened by the potential of retaliatory
eviction and will be empowered to raise concerns relating to the
conditions in the home. Not only will this bring about to positive
health effects and community cohesion, mentioned above, but may
also result in a reduced burden on homelessness duty, placed upon
the Council.

 

 

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

11.4.1

Do
Nothing
This would mean the Service
will continue to follow the current Intervention and Enforcement
Policy which has been in place since 2018. This would result in the
benefits outlined in this report not being achieved.
 
This will mean that the service
is not compliant with the new HMO fee policy as approved by Housing
Policy Committee on the 14th September
2023, as this contains plans for us to issue reduced term
licences.