Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 19, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   i)              The amended Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy, as set out in Appendix A to this report be approved and adopted; and   ii)             Authority be delegated to the Head of Environmental Health and Licensing in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environmental Health, Recycling and Waste to make such minor amendments to the policy as may be required following adoption (provided that such amendments (i) are consistent with and do not undermine the policy and/or (ii) give effect to statutory requirements).   REASONS   i)              The Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy has been reviewed in light of case law over the past few years and compared to other councils’ enforcement policies.   ii)             Operation Jigsaw, funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (‘MHCLG’) to spread information about the upcoming Renters Rights Act and the wealth of new enforcement duties it will introduce, is also sharing good practice and this has prompted the changes proposed here.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED AS IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT   Continuing with the existing wording. This has been rejected on the advice of the Council’s Legal team and Operation Jigsaw, as it leaves enforcement action more open to challenge.