Issue - meetings

Introduction of Fixed Penalty Notices for Houses in Multiple Occupation

Meeting: 09/05/2018 - Cabinet (Item 130)

130 Introduction of Civil Penalties to tackle Unsatisfactory Housing Conditions within the Private Rented Housing Sector pdf icon PDF 158 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning outling how the council intends to implement new enforcement powers provided in the Housing & Planning Act 2016, including the use of civil penalties for private sector housing offences and other regulatory functions.

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)  The new enforcement powers contained within the Housing Act 2004, as amended by the Housing & Planning Act 2016, be adopted;

 

(2)  Note that the new enforcement powers will enable the council to serve notices imposing civil penalties of up to a maximum of £30,000 in respect of a range of housing offences, and

 

(3)  Delegated authority be provided to the Head of Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing & Planning and the Council Solicitor to develop and implement a detailed Policy & Procedure in respect of the imposition of Civil  Penalties

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning that proposed implementation of new enforcement powers provided in the Housing & Planning Act 2016, including the use of civil penalties for private sector housing offences and other regulatory functions.

 

The Head of Communities highlighted the key aspects of the report.   The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods reminded Members of the severe impact rogue landlords and bad accommodation have on people and the current difficulties in resolving the issue.  She welcomed the opportunity the new powers would give to benefit the community.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy commented that most landlords act responsibly but it is right to deal with those who do not.  

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)  The new enforcement powers contained within the Housing Act 2004, as amended by the Housing & Planning Act 2016, be adopted;

 

(2)  Note that the new enforcement powers will enable the council to serve notices imposing civil penalties of up to a maximum of £30,000 in respect of a range of housing offences, and

 

(3)  Delegated authority be provided to the Head of Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing & Planning and the Council Solicitor to develop and implement a detailed Policy & Procedure in respect of the imposition of Civil  Penalties