Government launches toolkit to heighten enforcement

The UK Government has released resources to help local authorities strengthen their enforcement processes with best practice in order to stamp out the rogues in the property sector.

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The resources consist of an interactive learning module, a knowledge bank of technical questions and answers, along with refreshed guidance as part of their online enforcement toolkit.

The online resources facilitate the development and application of enforcement expertise in a range of scenarios and offers guidance to local authorities about taking a sustainable approach to enforcement to help them develop an action plan going forward.

The knowledge bank is made up of detailed answers to questions raised by local authority enforcement officers, including during a nationwide programme of training and knowledge-sharing workshops held in early 2019.

The questions cover topics including environmental concerns, regulatory issues, and landlord and tenant behaviour.

The interactive learning tool contains:

  • a knowledge check section which helps enforcement officers to quickly assess their existing awareness of enforcement guidance and legislation on rogue landlords
  • a scenario section which enables enforcement officers to apply their knowledge to a range of different cases, such as when dealing with overcrowding or houses in multiple occupation
  • a guided exercise aimed at supporting local authority officers to implement their enforcement strategy in a practical way
  • further information on guidance and policy support available to local authorities regarding enforcement issues