Agenda item

RECOMMENDED:     That the changes as detailed within the relevant appendices and in accordance with the recommendation from the Environment and Community Panel, the wording within the policy relating to provision of  hot water in bedsits, shared accommodation and HMO’s as raised by Councillor Kunes be amended accordingly, be adopted:

Appendix A

A1) To update the HMO amenity standards previously updated 10 years ago at Council on the 27^th September 2012. This update is required in order to provide clarity with regards relevant requirements and to ensure that differing types of HMOs are fully referenced.

A2) To adopt and publish standards with regards single family dwellings in order to provide landlords with a convenient and understandable guidance as to what is expected in private rented properties.

Appendix B

To update the adopted statement of principles with regard civil penalties in accordance with theHousing Standards - Financial penalties under the Housing Act 2004 and Housing and Planning Act 2016  previously adopted policy (Council - 22^nd February 2018) and to adopt the use of Rent Repayment Orders and Banning Orders.

Appendix C

C1) To update the Unauthorised Encampments Protocol to ensure that the protocol reflects the latest legislation applying to unauthorised encampments and to provide the relevant agencies and the wider public with clear guidance as to how the Borough Council and other agencies will respond to, and manage, unauthorised encampments within the local authority area.

Appendix D

D1) Adoption of amendments to the standard single family caravan site licence conditions for relevant protected sites.

D1) Adoption of amendments to the standard multi-site caravan site licence conditions for relevant protected sites.

Reason for Decision

To bring various policies and procedures up to date in line with operational requirements, best practice and relevant legislation and guidance. This will allow Housing Standards to operate and enforce in respect of various activities more efficiently and transparently.

The amendment is to take into account the recommendation from the Environment Panel.  

Click here to view the recording of this item on You Tube

The Housing Standards Manager presented a report which updated the various housing standards policies and guidance to reflect the legislative, best practice and procedural changes, to Housing Standards.

Councillor Parish drew attention to the comments made at the Environment Panel regarding water heaters in rented or HMO  properties being provided that gas should not be assumed to be the preferred method of providing heating and therefore, rather than use the word gas, the wording should be amended to encourage environmental friendly heating options.  The Housing Standards Manager confirmed that this could be amended to a more generalised wording.

Councillor de Whalley welcomed the inclusion of agricultural dwellings and asked if the heating installed should be economical to run as well as economical to install.  The Housing Standards Manager explained that there was a requirement to ensure there was ample heating and following a tribunal case it had to be efficient and economical.

Councillor Squire asked how much enforcement was carried out to which it was reported that there was a timescale under which any improvement to properties were required which if not adhered to could result in financial penalties or legal action.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Kemp asked if any enforcement of standards had been undertaken with social housing as she reported she had a number of issues in her ward.  The Housing Standards Manager reported that if any matter was raised the team liaised with the landlord and the problem was usually resolved.

RECOMMENDED:     That the changes as detailed within the relevant appendices and in accordance with the recommendation from the Environment and Community Panel, the wording within the policy relating to provision of  hot water in bedsits, shared accommodation and HMO’s as raised by Councillor Kunes be amended accordingly, be adopted:

Appendix A

A1) To update the HMO amenity standards previously updated 10 years ago at Council on the 27^th September 2012. This update is required in order to provide clarity with regards relevant requirements and to ensure that differing types of HMOs are fully referenced.

A2) To adopt and publish standards with regards single family dwellings in order to provide landlords with a convenient and understandable guidance as to what is expected in private rented properties.

Appendix B

To update the adopted statement of principles with regard civil penalties in accordance with theHousing Standards - Financial penalties under the Housing Act 2004 and Housing and Planning Act 2016  previously adopted policy (Council - 22^nd February 2018) and to adopt the use of Rent Repayment Orders and Banning Orders.

Appendix C

C1) To update the Unauthorised Encampments Protocol to ensure that the protocol reflects the latest legislation applying to unauthorised encampments and to provide the relevant agencies and the wider public with clear guidance as to how the Borough Council and other agencies will respond to, and manage, unauthorised encampments within the local authority area.

Appendix D

D1) Adoption of amendments to the standard single family caravan site licence conditions for relevant protected sites.

D1) Adoption of amendments to the standard multi-site caravan site licence conditions for relevant protected sites.

Reason for Decision

To bring various policies and procedures up to date in line with operational requirements, best practice and relevant legislation and guidance. This will allow Housing Standards to operate and enforce in respect of various activities more efficiently and transparently.

The amendment is to take into account the recommendation from the Environment Panel.