(a)          Decision(s)

(1)          That the provisions of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 (‘the Act’) and the introduction of civil penalty charges for certain offences under the Housing Act 2004 be endorsed.

(2)          That the power to apply for a banning order against certain persons convicted of a banning order offence to prohibit them from letting property for a specified period of time be endorsed.

(3)          That the power to apply for a Rent Repayment Order for certain offences to seek recovery of rent paid by Universal Credit be agreed.

(4)          That delegated authority be given to the Group Manager, Regulatory Services to delegate officers to enforce the provisions of the Act.

(5)          That the Principal Enforcement Officer, (Private Sector Housing) be authorised to prepare and agree a penalty fee structure in respect of the penalty charges in line with the Act and Statutory Guidance for relevant offences specified under Act after consultation with the Group Manager, Regulatory Services and the relevant Cabinet Member.

(6)          That a fee structure be adopted to set penalty charges for certain specified offences under the Housing and Planning Act in accordance with statutory guidance.

(b)          Reason(s) for Decision(s)

To reflect the fact that a number of the provisions of the Act will come into force on 1 October, 2017.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

None.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Environment and Living.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.