Report re Private Sector Housing Services Policy

REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE, LEGAL AND GOVERNANCE

MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL 5TH DECEMBER, 2007

           

At its meeting on 14th November, 2007, the Cabinet received a report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhoods and Community Care, setting out proposals for a comprehensive policy for intervention in Sheffield’s private housing.            In accordance with the arrangements approved by the Council at its meeting on 5th April, 2000, the report, together with a recommendation of the Cabinet thereon, as set out below, is referred to the City Council for consideration:-

 

            The Executive Director, Neighbourhoods and Community Care, submitted a report setting out proposals for a comprehensive policy for intervention in Sheffield’s private housing.  The Executive Director stated that the proposed Private Sector Housing Services Policy covered the range of services and assistance for homeowners, landlords and private sector tenants and area based regeneration.  She added that the proposed Policy and its interventions was intended for those homes occupied by the most vulnerable and also those living in private accommodation rented from landlords.              The report sets out three clear key objectives for the proposed policy which were the continued transition from the use of grants towards the provision of loans to deliver decency across the private sector housing stock; environmental sustainability linking the wide benefits that flow from tackling fuel poverty and achieving decency standards; and the creation of successful housing markets so that the private sector housing offer in the City plays a full part in contributing to the creation of successful neighbourhoods and a flourishing economy.It was stated that the report should be read together with the ‘Assistance Policy’ which was set out at Appendix 1 and the ‘Intervention and Enforcement Policy’ which was included at Appendix 2.RESOLVED: That (a) the Private Sector Housing Services Policy as set out in the  report now submitted be approved with the Interventions and Enforcement Policy (Appendix 2) taking immediate effect and the Assistance Policy (Appendix 1) taking effect from 1st February 2008;            (b) the current Private Sector Housing Policy be rescinded with effect from the date that the Assistance Policy takes effect;       (c)approval be given  for the delegation of powers to the Officers concerned, in relation to the Assistance Policy as set out in Appendix 4 to the report, with effect from 1st February 2008;             (d) the current Private Sector Housing Policy delegations to Officers approved on the 17th May 2006 be rescinded from the date that the Assistance Policy delegations come into force, subject to any delegation continuing to be in force in so far as is necessary to enable outstanding matters commenced prior to rescission to be concluded; and            (e) the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Safer Neighbourhoods, be authorised to revise the Intervention and Enforcement Policy, as set out at Appendix 2 to the report.

(NOTE: 1. This item is referred for consideration by the City Council and cannot therefore be called-in for scrutiny; and

            2.  The report is circulated to all Council Members with the Council Summons.)

 

 

 

Liz Bashforth

Assistant Chief Executive,

Legal and Governance