Minutes:
The Head of Community Safety and Enforcement was welcomed to the meeting to give a presentation relating to the management and enforcement of housing in the private rented sector.
Members noted the growing number of low cost and low quality houses in the private rented sector, and the associated issues which were previously generally associated with larger council housing estates.
It was noted that Central Area Council and Dearne Area Council had agreed service level agreements to provide officer support additional to this to help manage social and environmental problems, within the private rental sector.
It was acknowledged that waste in gardens was the most visible issue, however once officers had engaged with residents often further issues associated with individuals being more isolated or vulnerable were found, and other appropriate agencies engaged.
This more proactive approach was considered to be making a significant difference in both Central and Dearne Areas, and it was suggested that this could be replicated in the South Area.
Members discussed concentrations of private sector housing in the South Area and the problems associated with this. Also noted were a number of issues associated with private sector commercial premises and it was suggested that this was dealt with via other means, and would be outside the scope of the proposed project.
Enforcement action was discussed, noting that there are a number of different powers that existed, which could be used as a last resort, should residents and landlords be unwilling to engage. It was confirmed that any income from enforcement directly attributable to this engagement, would be returned to Area Council, however it was unlikely that this would be of the same magnitude as for the Environmental Enforcement commission, as enforcement was not intended as the primary outcome for this project.
The issue of education was discussed, noting that many issues could be avoided by residents using the correct bins, and it was confirmed that this was part of the work of officers in the Dearne and Central Areas.
A question was asked about why this work had not become part of the mainstream delivery of the Council, since the problem was clearly so serious . It was suggested that this case is being made as part of the business planning process in the longer term, yet investment by the Area Council would see delivery take place much sooner and would allow the approach to be tested as part of an Area Council funded pilot.
Thanks were given for the presentation, and it was agreed to discuss this further under minute 57.
RESOLVED that the Head of Community Safety and Enforcement be thanked for the presentation.