Issue - meetings

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor G Dowling)

Councillor Gareth Dowling introduced the report of the Corporate Director of Place & Community, which sought approval of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Enforcement Policy.

The minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee held on 21 October 2021 was circulated prior to the meeting.

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the details set out in the report before it and the reasons contained therein.

RESOLVED:   A.      That the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Enforcement Policy, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

                          B.      That the minute of Executive Overview & Scrutiny be noted.

                          C.      That the Corporate Director of Place & Community, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, be authorised to amend the policy considering any legislative or guidance changes.

                          D.      That the Corporate Director of Place & Community, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, be authorised to review and change the level of financial penalties issued as required.

                          E.      That the Corporate Director of Place & Community, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, be authorised to amend the current Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy, originally approved by Cabinet, to include the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (the Regulations) (as amended).

To consider the report of the Corporate Director of Place & Community.

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Place and Community as contained on pages 365 to 390 of the Book of Reports which was to consider and agree the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Enforcement Policy.

The Homelessness and Private Sector Housing Manager outlined the report explaining that the regulations first came into force on 1 April 2018 but were amended in 2020.  She explained that they were brought in to tackle the least energy efficient private rented properties in England and Wales.

In discussion the following feedback and comments were raised:

·         Promotion / Education of the Policy

·         Details of properties EPC ratings available on-line

·         Tenants are provided with an Energy Efficiency Certificate

·         Enforcement and financial penalties

·         Funding Improvement Schemes available to Landlords

RESOLVED: That the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Enforcement Policy attached at Appendix 1 of the report be presented to Cabinet for approval.

(Note: Councillor I Rigby was not present in the Chamber for the duration of this item)