Decision details

To consider fees and charges.

Arising from a *report of the Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing; the Homes Policy Development Group had made the following recommendation:

·         That Cabinet approve the revised fees as set out in Annex 1.

·         That Cabinet approve the updated Policy on the Use of Financial Penalties for Housing Act Offences as set out in Annex 2.

·         That Cabinet approve the Corporate Manager for Public Health and Regulation and Housing having delegated authority to authorise relevant officers to enforce The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

·         That changes to the way Works in Default charges are constructed are agreed.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Property Services outlined the contents of the report stating that the Council had a duty to ensure that private accommodation met minimum standards and that there were regulations for licensing, management and use of houses in multiple occupation, carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, electrical safety and defined hazards within the home.  All of the enforcement activities and relevant fees and charges within the policy were set out in compliance with the legislation and the adopted Enforcement Policy. The Council had the power to recover all reasonable costs and those were ring-fenced for further enforcement action. There was a duty under Public Health to give confidence to the public.

Consideration was given to the fees and charges and that they would be reviewed on an annual basis.

RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Policy Development Group be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr R B Evans and seconded by Cllr B A Moore)

Reason for the decision - Recharging for officer time in relation to enforcement activities, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing and recovering costs associated with non-statutory services means that we are encouraging compliance within the private rented sector, providing suitable for homes for our residents and ensuring HMOs do not have an adverse impact on communities. 

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.