Council consults on enforcement for Private Sector Housing
The Council is currently consulting on its draft Private Sector Housing (PSH) enforcement policy as it proposes to introduce and implement new powers that includes enabling civil penalties to be used as an alternative to prosecutions along with the proposed fine structure for these penalties.
It will also help to streamline our private sector housing enforcement policies and ensure there is a clearer and transparent approach to enforcement and how matters are dealt with by the Council.
The Council is providing the opportunity for local landlords to comment on the new approach and whether the proposed charging structure is fair and proportionate to the level of breach involved.
Cabinet Lead for Social Policy Cllr Tina Campbell said, “Effective enforcement is an important role for the Council as a means of maintaining public confidence in the quality and safety of private sector housing within the borough and supporting our residents’ right to live in an environment that is safe & healthy. She added, “We want to work with local landlords to ensure we have a robust and proportionate approach and I encourage landlords to comment and help shape our approach to dealing with private sector housing in the future.”
Enforcement powers are part of the statutory obligation placed on the Council to keep housing conditions within the borough under review and take appropriate action where identified to ensure suitable standards are maintained. This new approach upholds the principles and approaches of set out in the Corporate Enforcement Strategy of proportionality and transparency that contributes to the aim to minimise harm, promote wellbeing & prosperity.
To comment on the consultation visit https://eastleighboroughcouncil.citizenspace.com/health-wellbeing/psh-enforcement/