The Head of Regulatory Services and Community Safety has submitted a report to seek approval to proceed to a public consultation on draft policies relating to: (i) the assessment of whether an applicant is a fit and proper person to hold an HMO or selective licence; (ii) banning orders and rogue landlord database entry; and (iii) financial Penalties in relation to residential enforcement.

Cabinet is recommended to:

1.     Approve the following draft policies for public consultation for a period of four weeks:

(i)             Fit and Proper Person Policy

(ii)            Banning Orders & Rogue Landlord Database Policy

(iii)          Civil Penalty Policy; and

2.   Note that a further report will be brought to Cabinet to present the results of the public consultation and any proposed amendments to the draft policies and to seek approval for the final policies.

The Head of Regulatory Services and Community Safety had submitted a report to seek approval to proceed to a public consultation on draft policies relating to: (i) the assessment of whether an applicant is a fit and proper person to hold an HMO or selective licence; (ii) banning orders and rogue landlord database entry; and (iii) financial penalties in relation to residential enforcement.

Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing, highlighted the importance of ensuring that policies were kept up to date, particular in areas where there was a lot of activity such as the private rented sector, in order to minimise the risk of legal challenge and ensure that policies were fair and effective.  Consultation on the policies was not required by law; however, the Council wished to ensure that those affected were listened to (principally tenants, residents and landlords), and therefore approval for a four week targeted consultation was sought, prior to the final policies being presented for approval.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.     Approve the following draft policies for public consultation for a period of four weeks:

(i)             Fit and Proper Person Policy

(ii)            Banning Orders & Rogue Landlord Database Policy

(iii)          Civil Penalty Policy; and

2.   Note that a further report will be brought to Cabinet to present the results of the public consultation and any proposed amendments to the draft policies and to seek approval for the final policies.