Issue - meetings

1.      That the revised Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy be approved, as set out in Appendix 1 of report CAB3555(H).

2.      That the proposed Private Sector Housing Civil Penalty Policy be approved, as set out in Appendix 2 of the report.

3.      That the Corporate Head of Housing be authorised to make minor changes or those linked to legislative change, to the Private Sector Housing Enforcement and Civil Penalty policies. 

Councillor Reach and the Private Sector Housing Manager introduced the report which set out a revised enforcement framework following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

The Private Sector Housing Manager and the Corporate Head of Housing responded to questions and comments raised by councillors as summarised below: 

a)    A question was asked regarding the estimated number of private rented properties in the district and the number of officers available to manage the increased workload.

b)    Further clarification was sought on how the council intended to keep housing conditions under review and remain proactive despite limited staffing resources.

c)    A question was asked regarding whether the income generated from civil penalties could fully recover the costs of enforcement and debt collection.

d)    Information was requested regarding the proportion of properties let by professional agencies and whether the Renters' Rights Act required a higher standard of professionalism from all landlords.

e)    A question was asked concerning the timeline for a formal review of the new enforcement model and its impact on the budget.

f)      Further clarification was sought regarding the council’s primary enforcement priorities, specifically in relation to safety hazards and energy efficiency.

g)    Information was requested on the methods used to reassure tenants that they could report disrepair or illegal practices without fear of retaliation or "no-fault" evictions.

The Cabinet Committee agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.  

RESOLVED: 

1.      That the revised Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy be approved, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

2.      That the proposed Private Sector Housing Civil Penalty Policy be approved, as set out in Appendix 2 of the report.

3.      That the Corporate Head of Housing be authorised to make minor changes or those linked to legislative change, to the Private Sector Housing Enforcement and Civil Penalty policies.