The report proposes the adoption of a housing enforcement civil penalties policy. The report outlines how the Council will implement the enforcement powers introduced in the Housing and Planning Act 2016. The policy will allow financial penalties to be imposed as an alternative to prosecution for certain housing offences under the Housing Act 2004 and for a breach of a banning order under the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

The introduction of civil penalty policy will provide an additional enforcement tool to improve accommodation in the private rented sector. It will add to the options available for effective enforcement against criminal landlords.