Lead Member: Councillor James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Housing

Lead Officer: Paula Mawson, Service Director – Communities & Customer

RESOLVED:

1.     To approve the Shropshire Housing Authority Enforcement Policy and Civil Penalty Policy, to take effect immediately, with transitional arrangements allowing the existing policies to operate in tandem for a six-month period to conclude legacy cases.

2.     To delegate to the Service Director - Communities and Customer to undertake required updates to the Shropshire Housing Authority Enforcement Policy and Civil Penalty Policy as the implementation of the Renter’s Rights Act continues, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing.

3.     To direct that a formal review of the policies to come back for consideration in June 2027, with any delegated changes made in accordance with Recommendation 2 should be reported to the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillors James Owen, Alex Wagner and Ruth Houghton had declared an interest in this item and were not present in the room for the duration of the debate and decision.

Cabinet considered the proposals for Housing Authority Enforcement and Civil Penalty Policies to implement the requirements of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.  The legislation strengthened tenant protections and required the Council to take a more proactive approach to enforcing standards in the private rented sector. The policies provided a clear and consistent framework for enforcement, with provision for future updates and a formal review in June 2027.

During discussion, members supported the need to tackle poor housing conditions while ensuring enforcement remained proportionate and did not discourage responsible landlords. Officers confirmed that the Council would continue to work proactively with landlords and tenants, monitor the impact on the local rental market and use Government funding to support both enforcement and preventative work.

RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the Shropshire Housing Authority Enforcement Policy and Civil Penalty Policy, to take effect immediately, with transitional arrangements allowing the existing policies to operate in tandem for a six-month period to conclude legacy cases.

2.    To delegate to the Service Director - Communities and Customer to undertake required updates to the Shropshire Housing Authority Enforcement Policy and Civil Penalty Policy as the implementation of the Renter’s Rights Act continues, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing.

3.    To direct that a formal review of the policies to come back for consideration in June 2027, with any delegated changes made in accordance with Recommendation 2 should be reported to the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.