(i)         that the revised Housing Standards – Civil Penalty Policy attached to this Record of Decision be approved; and

(ii)        that the Executive Head of Community Safety be given delegated authority to make minor and technical changes to the Housing Standards – Civil Penalty Policy.

To ensure that the Policy reflects the national situation on housing standards.

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This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 18 May 2018 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

On 4 September 2017 the Policy Development and Decision Group (Joint Operations Team) considered Housing Standards Civil Penalty Policy, which was approved by the Elected Mayor.  This original draft has been reviewed in line with developing understanding of housing standards nationwide and as a consequence updates are being suggested.

The updates are centred on the application of the Policy with regard to multiple Management Regulation contraventions.  These contraventions are considered as separate offences and therefore the Policy needs to reflect this better.  This has led to an adjustment of the fine table (lower end), the addition of scales of fine to provide some flexibility (some Management Regulations are far less significant than others) and consequently the amendment of some of the descriptions and worked examples.

The intention is to continue to evaluate and review the Policy periodically and therefore it was recommended to delegate technical and minor amendments to the Executive Head of Community Safety.  

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