Councillor Mia Handley

Decision Report: Housing Enforcement and Licensing Policy

From: Council - Wednesday, 15 July 2026 - 7.00 pm - July 15, 2026

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.

Recommendations approved

20260715C-C26XXPL- Planning Additional Fees and Charges July 2026 - v0.3 - in work - Copy

From: Council - Wednesday, 15 July 2026 - 7.00 pm - July 15, 2026

The Council publishes a schedule of fees and charges related to planning which are kept under review. This includes comparing with neighbours and looking at areas where it is appropriate for the cost burden to be transferred from the tax payer to the service user. The proposed changes seek to implement a CPI +2% increase from 1 August 2026 on the fees and charges last set by Council in February 2025 to reflect the increasing costs and to reduce the burden on the taxpayer. The Council can also charge for the more complex queries when appropriate. Appendix 1 includes a framework which sets out how the charge rates depending on the nature of the enquiry.

Recommendations Approved

Decision Report: Borehamwood Town Centre Regeneration and Civic Centre Car Park

From: Council - Wednesday, 15 April 2026 - 7.00 pm - April 15, 2026

Recommendations approved

National Licensing Policy Framework

From: Licensing Committee - Monday, 9 March 2026 7.00 pm - March 09, 2026

1.1 On the 8 October 2025 the Government issued a 4 week call for evidence in respect to reforms of the Licensing system under the Licensing Act 2003. 1.2 The call for evidence was highlighted by a Member of the Licensing Committee and Officers drafted a response that was endorsed by the Chair of the Licensing Committee. 1.3 The Government published its response to this call for evidence towards the end of November, and too late for a formal report at the 2025 December Licensing Committee. The Government also revised the statutory guidance under the Licensing Act 2003 and issued new non-statutory guidance to licensing authorities. At the heart of the call for evidence and the actions taken by, or proposed to be taken by, the government has a desire to assist the hospitality industry in the light of challenging economic conditions.

Recommendations Approved

Review and Appointment of Service Providers and Testing Stations

From: Licensing Committee - Monday, 9 March 2026 7.00 pm - March 09, 2026

1.1 To highlight current steps being taken by the service to renew, refresh and approve those whose expertise is utilised by the Council to ensure that drivers and vehicles are safe and suitable to be licensed. To ensure transparency in the process of appointing or endorsing any provider that the Licensing team refer applicants and licence holders too.

Recommendations Approved