Decision details

RECOMMENDED:      1)         That the Policy Statement in relation to civil penalties be approved as an alternative to prosecution for certain housing offences (by virtue of the Housing and Planning Act 2016) as detailed in the report and Appendix A of the report.

2)         That the use of rent repayment orders (Housing Act 2004 and Housing and Planning Act 2016) as detailed in the report be approved.

3)         That the Corporate Enforcement Policy be amended to incorporate these changes

4)         That a Housing Regulation Policy incorporating Council decisions and the use of all housing duties and powers be brought forward in due course

5)         That delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Community responsibility to agree any necessary changes to the approach used in the exercise of these powers – within the constraints of the Housing and Planning Act 2016

Reason for Decision

To note the new powers placed upon the Council and adopt a Policy in relation to the power to impose penalty charges and rent repayment orders. The new powers in relation to penalty charges offer an alternative to lengthy and expensive prosecutions.