Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 92
The new regulatory regime will only become self-financing if local authorities can recoup the cost...
Conclusion
The new regulatory regime will only become self-financing if local authorities can recoup the cost of enforcement from non-compliant landlords, but we have heard from local government representatives that the civil penalties regime, which in theory should fund enforcement activity, is currently not working for local authorities, and this is evident from the data on their use. We are also concerned by the apparent difficulty some local authorities experience when seeking to prosecute landlords for housing offences, including the claim that landlords can avoid prosecution by simply transferring ownership.
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:
92
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.