Decision
Analysis
outcome: Agreed to implement Civil Penalties for enforcement action in the private rented sector from August 1st, 2025
summary: Implementation of Civil Penalties under the Housing and Planning Act 2016 and The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
topline: The Executive has decided to implement Civil Penalties for enforcement action in the private rented sector from August 1st, 2025
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious due to potential impact on landlords and tenants in the private rented sector, as well as concerns about enforcement and compliance
affected_stakeholders: ["Private Sector Housing Team", "Landlords", "Tenants"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: No explicit mention of political parties or influence on the decision
URL: https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1820
Decision Maker: Executive
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive resolved to: Agree to the implementation of Civil Penalties under the Housing and Planning Act 2016 and The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, as set out in Appendix 1 to allow the Private Sector Housing Team an additional option for enforcement action, and for this to come into effect from the 1st August 2025. Authorise the Service Director of Regulatory and Operational Services, in consultation with the Lead Member for Communities, Housing Revenue Account, Culture, and Equalities and Diversity, to make any necessary minor operational changes to the policy. Authorise the Service Director of Regulatory and Operational Services, in consultation with the Head of Legal Services, to finalise a legal agreement with Justice for Tenants and ensure that the terms of the agreement are legally compliant.
Date of Decision: July 7, 2025