Decision details

ORDERED that Executive:

1.     APPROVES the General Enforcement Policy 2026-2031

2.     APPROVES the Public Protection Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy 2026-2031.

3.     APPROVES the Public Protection Civil Penalties Policy 2026-2031 (under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and other housing legislation)

4.     APPROVES a further report be brought to provide an update on the demands and the resource costs of delivering the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

5.     DELEGATES authority to the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Housing to make minor changes to the above policies in response to changes to governance guidance or legislation.

REASONS

To ensure the Council had an approved framework for delivering Public Protection, Neighbourhoods and Environmental Enforcement regulatory functions.

To ensure the Council satisfied its obligations under the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006, and the Regulators Code made under it, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and associated housing legislation.

To avoid or mitigate the risk of inconsistent enforcement, legal challenge to decisions and reduced ability to demonstrate compliance with statutory guidance and best practice.

Delegation to the Director of Regeneration and Housing to make minor changes to policies ensured that changes to new legislation and guidance were accounted for and policies could be applied effectively without need for full Executive approval.

To inform Executive about the additional demands of the Renters’ Rights Act and the impact on staffing resources and costs. 

OPTIONS

Not to approve the new policies. This would have meant an increased risk of a legal challenge against enforcement decisions action, particularly in respect of the new / amended enforcement functions and powers.