2 April 2008
Eastbourne Borough Council has recently been proving its commitment to enforcing housing standards in the town.
Environmental Health Practitioners represented the Council at the first two Residential Property Tribunal hearings in Sussex following landlord appeals against enforcement action. In both cases the Tribunal found for the council, thoroughly validating the action which had been taken.
Deficiencies in the two properties included electrical and fire hazards, dampness, lack of heating and risk of falls from a balcony. Remedial action will now ensure the safety of the occupiers.
Residential Property Tribunals were recently introduced to the legislative process to lessen the impact of Housing Act appeals in the courts. Although only 47 cases have so far been heard nationally, valuable experience has been gained from these early hearings in Eastbourne.
Councillor Bannister commented ‘The Council is committed to enforcement as a way of dealing with bad landlords and poor housing conditions. These decisions deliver a vital message to landlords who ignore informal requests to improve standards, not only because they will have to carry out the work required by notice, but also because they will have to pay the Council’s costs for the action taken’.
