Agenda item

To approve the South and East Lincolnshire Housing Standards Policies (report of the Assistant Director – Communities and Housing Services enclosed).

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Strategic Housing introduced three comprehensive housing standards policies for consideration and adoption.

These policies related to Empty Homes, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licensing, and Enforcement. It was explained that the policies enabled housing standards officers to apply their work confidently and robustly across the three councils, and ensured readiness for the forthcoming requirements of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force later in the year.

Members were advised that the policies could be delivered within existing resources, unless there was a specific decision to expand activity beyond the outlined approach. Key elements were highlighted, including the introduction of a scoring matrix within the Empty Homes Policy to prioritise properties of greatest concern, with each council utilising existing powers and tools without the need for additional resources.

The HMO Licensing Policy introduced a consistent fee structure across the partnership.

The Enforcement Policy included updated fixed penalty notice amounts, aligned with the Renters’ Rights Act.

The Portfolio Holder confirmed that all policies had been robustly reviewed and supported by the Policy Development Panel in November.

DECISION:

That the draft Empty Homes Policy at Appendix 1, the draft HMO Policy at Appendix 2, and the draft Housing Standards Enforcement Policy at Appendix 3 be approved.

Other Options Considered:

·         Keep current policies – not recommended

Reasons for Recommendations:

·         To ensure the Council has suitable policies and procedures in place for responding to and dealing with housing standards issues.

·         These polices enable and ensure our Housing Standards Officers apply their work confidently and robustly across the three councils of the partnership and ensure we are ready for any changes that need to be applied as part of the Renters' Rights Act which comes into force this year.

·         For empty homes the main focus is introducing a scoring matrix to prioritise properties at greatest concern with each council of the Partnership enabling their tools available to them without committing to specific resources. For HMO licensing the policy introduces a new fee structure that is consistent across the Partnership and the Enforcement policy includes the revision of fixed penalty notice amounts reflected in the Renters' Rights Act.