It appears that some local authorities might have misinterpreted the Housing Health and Safety Rating System enforcement guidance, and as such are not inspecting private providers. We welcome the Minister’s reiteration that a council can inspect a property owned by a private provider and issue an enforcement notice, although we note the significant pressures on local government finances at the moment. Perhaps more than anything else, these inspections could provide social housing tenants trap...

It appears that some local authorities might have misinterpreted the Housing Health and Safety Rating System enforcement guidance, and as such are not inspecting private providers. We welcome the Minister’s reiteration that a council can inspect a property owned by a private provider and issue an enforcement notice, although we note the significant pressures on local government finances at the moment. Perhaps more than anything else, these inspections could provide social housing tenants trapped in potentially unsafe homes with the reassurance that they can turn to someone independent of their housing provider who will advocate on their behal Type: conclusion | Number: 37 | Paragraph: 137 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: The Government recognises the importance of all homes being safe and secure. Local authorities have powers under the Housing Act 2004 to take enforcement action where hazards are identified in residential premises, and we expect them to use these