Minutes:
The Head of Community Safety and Enforcement introduced this item. It was reported that the post of Private Sector Housing and Enforcement Officer would be advertised this week. The postholder will in effect provide a private sector housing management service across the North East Area using local intelligence on a ‘worst first’ basis. Members were informed that the officer will have the same enforcement powers as local authority housing management officers and will deal with environmental issues, anti-social behaviour, absentee landlords, housing associations and community relationships. It was stated that the officer will carry out a ‘soft’ intelligence trawl, building networks in the community and bringing back information. This model has worked successfully in both Central and Dearne Area Councils although it must be remembered that this is just one officer with a heavy workload.
RESOLVED that
(i) Members report any housing management problems they are aware of in their wards to build up local intelligence and
(ii) Members will be regularly updated regarding progress made.