Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 91
In the current economic climate, we accept that the Government is unlikely to provide significant...
Recommendation
In the current economic climate, we accept that the Government is unlikely to provide significant additional long-term funding for local authorities, but it must consult them, if it has not already done so, on how much short-term funding they will need to get the regime up and running. In particular, local and central government should agree what staffing levels will be required and then fund their recruitment. The Government should also assess the availability of environmental health officers and other enforcement staff and work with the sector to ensure that enough places on training courses are available. Local authorities will need many more enforcement officers if the proposals are to make a meaningful difference.
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:
91
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.