Decision details

To approve a 4 week public consultation on the draft revised Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy and Fit and Proper Policy for licensing applicants (Appendix A and B) with the view to adopting the policies

It is recommended that the Portfolio Holder approves a 4 week public consultation on the draft revised Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy and Fit and Proper policy.to seek views before reaching a decision to formally adopt the policies.

To seek views before deciding whether to adopt council policies that will enable the full range of available enforcement powers to be utilised and ensure licenced landlords and agents are fit and proper. The use of these policies 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

To adopt a Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy and Fit and Proper 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.
To continue with the existing Private Sector Housing enforcement policy and HMO Licensing and Enforcement Policy, these policies are now outdated and do not cover all of the current new legal provisions available to the council.