Maintaining good quality homes

Knowsley Council does not own any housing stock but it has a responsibility to ensure private sector housing provision meets required standards. If properties do not meet required standards, a full investigation will be completed to agree remedial works and what enforcement action will be taken against those responsible.

Registered social housing providers are subject to specific regulations around social housing responsibilities.

Private housing plays a significant part in the housing provision across the Borough. The majority of private housing is in a good condition and is well managed. However, it is recognised nationally that conditions in the private rented sector can be less satisfactory.

Following extensive consultation, the Council has developed a Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy which sets out a broad overview of the principles and processes used by the Council to deal with breaches of housing law and other public health legislation. The aim is to ensure that that health and housing standards are protected and includes substandard housing, public health issues and poor management of properties.

The Policy will provide Council officers with the appropriate powers of intervention as required, including Civil Penalty Notices and Compulsory Purchase Orders.

The Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy is important given the current cost of living crisis, when housing-related issues may increase due to homes being insufficiently heated or occupiers may seek cheaper alternatives for repairs, which may prove costly in the long-term. The principles of the Policy will be applied to all housing issues, regardless of who owns the property.