The three documents below direct the work of Private Sector Housing.
Private Rented Sector Strategy (PRS) Strategy 2018-23 (This strategy is currently under review)
By building our knowledge of the sector we can create new initiatives that will have the greatest impact in improving the quality of the PRS. The strategy embraces the extra powers made available by the Housing and Planning Act 2016. It focuses on the key areas where meaningful improvements can be achieved at scale.
Private Rented Sector Strategy (PRS) Strategy 2018-23
Private Sector Housing (PSH) Enforcement Policy
This incorporates new powers and legislation introduced since the issuing of the previous enforcement policy. The new policy has four areas where significant change has occurred:
- The decision to issue financial penalties. With new legislation brought in the Council now have powers to issue financial penalties for certain offences.
- The review of the civil penalties charging structure. The Council has revised its charging structure that assesses the level of penalty in line with the seriousness of the offence.
- Fees and charges. The HMO licence fee takes into account relevant guidance and applicants are charged what it costs to deliver the service. Other services we provide incur costs which are recoverable by the Council.
- Revision of the HMO Amenity standard. The standard used as part of the mandatory HMO licensing Scheme.
Private Sector Housing (PSH) Enforcement Policy
Empty Homes Plan
The Empty Homes Plan is an interim action plan pending incorporation into a proposed new housing strategy. The Plan was approved by the Economic Growth and Development Directorate Leadership Team on 03 July 2019.
Empty homes are a wasted resource. They can be an eyesore or cause other problems. Bringing them back into use is a Council priority. This will be achieved through advice and assistance to owners. Also, if necessary, by using appropriate enforcement action.
