Agenda item

To consider Report No. OS2620 (copy attached), which sets out an updated Civil Penalties Policy, in relation to housing enforcement, for the Council.

The Cabinet considered Report No. OS2620, which set out an updated Civil Penalties Policy for housing enforcement.

Members were informed that the policy provided the framework for issuing civil penalties for housing related offences under the Housing Act 2004, Housing and Planning Act 2016 and the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 had had a significant impact on the private rented sector and its implementation had required an update to the Council’s Civil Penalties Policy to ensure compliance with the new statutory duties.

In discussing this, the Cabinet expressed support for this policy, which it felt would strengthen the Council’s ability to assist local residents.

The Cabinet RESOLVED that

(i)           the Civil Penalties Policy, as set out in Appendix 1 of Report No. OS2620, be approved;

(ii)          the Executive Head of Operations be authorised to make minor amendments to the policy to reflect future legislative or regulatory changes;

(iii)         the publication and implementation of the policy with immediate effect, as set out in the Report, be approved; and

(iv)         the running in parallel of the new and the existing policies for a transitional period, as set out in the Report, be approved.