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Council Housing Enforcement Policy

Approach to checks on compliance and responses to non-compliance

4. Housing Management's approach to checks on compliance

4.1 The service will use its intellectual data to ensure that it meets its statutory obligations in relation to maintaining Heating, Electrical safety, Fire safety, Lift safety, Asbestos, Legionella risk assessments and damp and mould.

4.2 Tenancy breaches can be detected intellectually, for example rent arrears or by detection during interactions with tenants in their homes and communities (tenancy inspections and neighbourhood reviews).

4.3 Tenants and members of the public can also report any concerns to us;

  • Online 
  • By email 
  • Via our housing portal - iHousing 
  • By telephone to 0300 456 0117 
  • In person to a member of staff
  • In writing: Housing Management Team, Wiltshire Council, Bourne Hill, The Council House, Salisbury SP1 3UZ

4.4 The Service will endeavour to ensure that enforcement action is consistent by taking a similar approach in similar circumstances. However, officers will take into account many variables such as level of risk, compliance history and the attitude and actions of those involved which may result in different outcomes in what appear potentially similar investigations.

5. Housing Management's responses to non-compliance

5.1 Enforcement in the context of this policy includes informal action carried out through the provision of advice, verbal warnings initial warning, and final warning letters.

5.2 Formal enforcement will be taken where informal action has been unsuccessful or is deemed inappropriate when considering the seriousness of the report and non-compliance, measures include:

  • extension of an introductory tenancy, 
  • demotion of tenancy, 
  • community protection warning, 
  • community protection notice, 
  • closure order, 
  • injunction, 
  • criminal behaviour order, 
  • undertaking
  • possession proceedings
  • warrant of entry

5.3 Wiltshire Council will work in partnership with a variety of organisations including, but not limited to:

  • Fire and Rescue Services, 
  • Police, 
  • NHS Medical and Mental Health Teams, 
  • Social Services 
  • Probation Services
  • Third or Voluntary Sector service providers, 
  • Trading Standards.

5.4 The service recognises that there is diversity within the community and enforcement activities will have regard to this.

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