URL: https://meetings.westoxon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=464

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To update policy on Private Sector Housing and Caravan sites, reviewing fees and enforcement and Civil Penalties.

Content: Councillor Lidia Arciszewska, Executive Member for Environment, introduced the item, the purpose of which was to renew the Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy and Caravan Sites Policy. Councillor Arciszewska asked the Officer present to give the relevant points to the Executive which raised the following:   The report had updated existing policies and taken into account the recent legislative changes concerning caravan site regulation and the significant changes to private sector housing regulation. It also had considered the imminent Renters Reform Bill, due to pass in October. It was timely to adopt the policies being considered now as this would allow the Council to incorporate changes as a result of the Bill. The policies would be reviewed in twelve months, and every three years after. The policies had been aligned with the Council’s priorities in its Housing Strategy, Enforcement Policy and Long-Term Empty Homes Strategy and set out commitments to: tackle poor conditions in private housing; work with partners to ensure homes met required standards; bring long-term empty properties back into use; and tackle unlicensed HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupancy). New requirements for mobile home sites had been introduced in 2020 that required sites to appoint a Fit and Proper Person, and the Council was now required to administer and enforce this requirement. The policy that was presented had accommodated this and other new provisions and had set out the approach to this work. Briefings on the Policies would be provided for Members in future that would include updates on changes in legislation, responsibilities on the Council and new powers.   In response to a question from a Member, the Officer advised that, as a result of the Renters Right Act, additional powers and responsibilities on the Council now included: investigatory powers and powers to require information; duties to investigate illegal evictions; and, in the future, a requirement to administer and enforce landlord databases.   A further question was raised around partner authorities and the degree of engagement that had taken place. The Officer advised that in the context of the policies “partners” had referred to the Publica Councils, in terms of the sharing of resources, and the Oxfordshire Authorities. Regular meetings had taken place with these partners to consider joint working on these matters, especially with LGR in mind, and also with regard to the stock conditions survey, where joint procurement could achieve savings.   Councillor Arciszewska proposed accepting the recommendations of the report.   Councillor Geoff Saul, Executive Member Housing and Social Care, seconded the proposal and suggested that this was an important function of the Private Sector Housing Strategy and was key to ensuring that housing was safe and secure, which was a key responsibility of the Council.   This was voted on and approved unanimously.   RESOLVED: That the Executive: Approved the Private Sector Housing Strategy as set out in Annex A and the Mobile Homes Policy as set out in Annex B. Recommended to Council to approve a new Stock Conditions Survey. Instructed / authorised officers to schedule the next Stock Conditions Survey once budgetary provision has been made.

Date of Decision: November 13, 2025