Decision details

Approval for consultation on draft Private Sector Housing Civil Penalties Policy

Reference: D755

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder for Public Protection

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

To approve a 4 week public consultation on the draft Private Sector Housing Civil Penalties Policy (Appendix A) with the view to adopting the policy to enable the Council to issue civil penalties as an alternative to prosecution for certain housing offences under the Housing Act 2004.

Decision:

It is recommended that the Portfolio Holder approves a 4 week public consultation on the draft Private Sector Housing Civil Penalties Policy (Appendix A) to seek views before reaching a decision to formally adopt the policy.

Reasons for the decision:

To seek views before deciding whether to adopt a council policy that will enable the new civil penalties provisions to be utilised and provide an alternative to prosecution as a means of enforcing standards within the private rented sector. The use of these provisions will contribute to the following corporate priorities:
•Reduce antisocial behaviour, crime and fear of crime
•Improve health and wellbeing
•Provide an attractive and sustainable environment that local people can enjoy and appreciate

Alternative options considered:

To adopt a civil penalties policy without a prior consultation, this would not be in-accordance with the adopted Public Protection Service enforcement policy which states the council will engage with those we regulate to contribute to the development and service standards. Before changing policies we consider the impact on businesses and engage with business representatives.

Publication date: 19/09/2018

Date of decision: 19/09/2018

Accompanying Documents: