Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 90
We are conscious, however, that the financial position of local authorities remains extremely precarious, that...
Conclusion
We are conscious, however, that the financial position of local authorities remains extremely precarious, that this partly explains the lack of enforcement activity, and that some of these proposals will place an additional burden on local authorities’ resources. The Government is yet to carry out the new burdens assessment it promised in the White Paper, but we are aware that many of the proposals are intended to be self-financing, either through fines on non-compliant landlords or fees paid by all landlords (for the ombudsman and the property portal). It appears, then, that the biggest new burden on local authorities will be enforcement of the DHS, particularly the inspection of properties, at least during the initial phase of the new regime, before it has had time to become self-financing.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees a strong enforcement regime is vital and is committed to ensuring local councils have the powers and resources needed and is addressing inconsistencies in enforcement activity.
Paragraph Reference:
90
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We fully agree that a strong and effective enforcement regime is vital to ensure the reforms deliver on their ambitions and that tenants get safe and secure homes. We are committed to ensuring that local councils have the powers and resources they need to tackle criminal landlords, driving up standards across the sector. It is through strong enforcement and increased fines that we can protect tenants and ensure landlords meet their legal obligations. We will also continue to work to drive up standards and professionalism amongst landlords. The government recognises that there are currently inconsistencies in how local authorities undertake enforcement activity and we are committed to addressing these. A report by the Centre for Public Innovation in 2021 found significant variation across councils in their approach to tackling poor property conditions and illegal eviction, along with a lack of data sharing and skills.2 The Levelling Up, Housing and Regeneration Bill includes measures that will allow the government to set minimum standards for enforcement. We will consult on these standards, which will give tenants more confidence that councils will act where landlords fail to meet their obligations, helping to address the inconsistency in approaches. This means we can level up enforcement of housing standards, wherever people live.