Gosport Borough Council
Councillors:
27
Wards:
14
Committees:
10
Meetings (2026):
59
Meetings (2025):
50
Meeting
Policy and Organisation Board - Gosport
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
6:45 PM
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
6:45 PM
End:
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
10:45 PM
Wednesday, 15th July 2026
10:45 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed; Extraordinary
Confirmed; Extraordinary
Date:
15 Jul 2026
15 Jul 2026
Location:
Council Chamber
Council Chamber
Meeting Attendees
Agenda
1
Apologies for non-attendance
Minutes
There were none.
2
Declarations of interest
All Members are required to disclose at this point in the meeting or as soon as possible thereafter, any disclosable pecuniary interest or personal interest in any item(s) being considered at this meeting.
Minutes
There were none.
3
Deputations - Standing Order 3.4
(NOTE: The Board is required to receive a deputation(s) on a matter which is before the meeting of the Board provided that notice of the intended deputation and its object shall have been received by the Borough Solicitor by 12 noon on Monday 13 July 2026. The total time for deputations in favour and against a proposal shall not exceed 10 minutes).
Minutes
There were none.
4
Public Questions - Standing order 3.5
NOTE: The Board is required to allow a total of 15 minutes for questions from Members of the public on matters within the terms of reference of the Board provided that notice of such Question(s) shall have been submitted to the Borough Solicitor by 12 noon on Monday 13 July 2026).
Minutes
There were none.
5
Transformation & Savings Task and Finish Group
The purpose of this report is to seek Board approval to establish a Transformation & Savings Task and Finish Group to develop a programme of transformation and efficiency measures to support the Council’s medium-term financial sustainability as part of its balanced Medium-Tem Financial Strategy (MTFS) and maintain delivery of corporate priorities.
Attachments:
- Document Transformation savings Task_Finish group final 07 Jul 2026
- Document ToR_Transformation savings Task_Finish group final 07 Jul 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Treasurer detailing the proposal to establish a Transformation and Savings Task and Finish Group in order for the Council to find the savings required.
The Board was advised that the Council would be required to find £3million of savings over 27/28 and 28/29 and that it eqated to 20% of the Council’s budget.
It was advised that it was felt that there was an acceptance from Members that the establishment of a Task and Finish Group would be welcome, and that it would be the vehicle to explore what could be done and look at some of the strategic work.
The Group would not be decision making and the mechanism for that would be the P and O Board, the group was to explore the scope and determine measures of success.
A Councillor advised that they would not comment on the figure required but questioned the need to save money when the Council would not exist in a few years time and advised that they did not support cuts to frontline services. They advised that the Liberal Democrat Group would not be taking part in the Task and Finish Group if established.
Other Members advised that they supported the formation of the group and that the aim was not to cut services where possible, but to also look at things like efficiencies and income.
It was clarified that revenue and capital budgets would be looked at and some Members expressed that they felt the Council owed it to the residents to undertake this work.
Some Members expressed concerns that there would be an increase in fees and charges.
A Member advised that they felt it was important that there was cross party representation and that it was disappointing groups were choosing not to take part.
The outcomes would be reported to the Policy and Organisation Board, looking at the ideas, and how to get bast value for residents. Members reiterated their disappointemtn that some Members were choosing not to work collaboratively.
A Member advised that construction costs were rising as such money in the cocklepond budget would likely now not cover the cost of the work.
RESOLVED: That
That the Board:
1) Approves the establishment of a Transformation & Savings Task and Finish Group.
2) Approves the draft Terms of Reference set out at Appendix A.
3) Agrees that the Group will report back to the Board within 3 months with an initial proposed Transformation and Savings Plan for approval
4) Agrees that the Group will provide an update to the Board at each regular P&O Meeting with findings and recommendations to inform the 2026/27 budget setting process including the medium-term financial outlook
It was subsequently advised that Councillors Huggins, Hayes, Burgess, Towell and Jacobs would sit on the group.
The Board was advised that the Council would be required to find £3million of savings over 27/28 and 28/29 and that it eqated to 20% of the Council’s budget.
It was advised that it was felt that there was an acceptance from Members that the establishment of a Task and Finish Group would be welcome, and that it would be the vehicle to explore what could be done and look at some of the strategic work.
The Group would not be decision making and the mechanism for that would be the P and O Board, the group was to explore the scope and determine measures of success.
A Councillor advised that they would not comment on the figure required but questioned the need to save money when the Council would not exist in a few years time and advised that they did not support cuts to frontline services. They advised that the Liberal Democrat Group would not be taking part in the Task and Finish Group if established.
Other Members advised that they supported the formation of the group and that the aim was not to cut services where possible, but to also look at things like efficiencies and income.
It was clarified that revenue and capital budgets would be looked at and some Members expressed that they felt the Council owed it to the residents to undertake this work.
Some Members expressed concerns that there would be an increase in fees and charges.
A Member advised that they felt it was important that there was cross party representation and that it was disappointing groups were choosing not to take part.
The outcomes would be reported to the Policy and Organisation Board, looking at the ideas, and how to get bast value for residents. Members reiterated their disappointemtn that some Members were choosing not to work collaboratively.
A Member advised that construction costs were rising as such money in the cocklepond budget would likely now not cover the cost of the work.
RESOLVED: That
That the Board:
1) Approves the establishment of a Transformation & Savings Task and Finish Group.
2) Approves the draft Terms of Reference set out at Appendix A.
3) Agrees that the Group will report back to the Board within 3 months with an initial proposed Transformation and Savings Plan for approval
4) Agrees that the Group will provide an update to the Board at each regular P&O Meeting with findings and recommendations to inform the 2026/27 budget setting process including the medium-term financial outlook
It was subsequently advised that Councillors Huggins, Hayes, Burgess, Towell and Jacobs would sit on the group.
6
Private Rented Sector Housing Enforcement Policy
To seek Board approval for the Draft Private Rented Sector Housing Enforcement Policy (“the Policy”) prior to public consultation.
Attachments:
- Document 01 GBC report PandO Board Private Rented Sector Housing Enforcement 07 Jul 2026
- Document 01A draft GBC private rented sector housing enforcement policy 07 Jul 2026
- Document 01B GBC IIA document PRS Housing Enforcement and RRA civil penalty policies signed by Head of EH 07 Jul 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Environmental Health seek Board approval for the Draft Private Rented Sector Housing Enforcement Policy (“the Policy”) prior to public consultation.
The Board was advised that there was a change in the consultation dates that it would now run from Monday 20th July until the 11th September.
The report sought approval to consult on a policy that would enable the Council to implement the Renters’ Rights Act and strengthen its approach to enforcing standards in the private rented sector.
It provides the framework for how the Council will investigate complaints and breaches/ offences, and undertake enforcement action in a fair, consistent and transparent manner.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents the most significant reform of private rented sector regulation for many years. From May this year, local authorities have enhanced duties to enforce what’s known as the landlord legislation and new powers to address non-compliance. Section 107 of the Act places an expectation on councils to actively enforce the legislation where breaches/ offences are identified.
The Council’s existing enforcement arrangements are no longer fully aligned with the current legislative landscape. The proposed policy will ensure its approach reflects current law, Government expectations and emerging national best practice.
The policy sets out the principles and processes officers will follow when investigating complaints, assessing hazards and deciding on enforcement action.
Key features include:
Clear enforcement principles based on proportionality, consistency, accountability and transparency. Risk-based prioritisation focusing on serious hazards, vulnerable tenants and poor-performing landlords. A structured approach to the use of enforcement powers under the Housing Act 2004, Renters’ Rights Act and associated legislation. Advice and support for compliant landlords. Firm action against landlords who repeatedly or deliberately fail to meet their legal obligations.
The policy aims to improve housing conditions, protect tenants, support responsible landlords and ensure consistent enforcement across the borough's private rented sector of more than 6,000 homes.
It is expected there will be an increase in inspections, investigations, and enforcement action. There will also be additional training requirements and a greater need for legal support.
It is anticipated that there will be income from the new burdens fund, and the public renter database when it is online.
Subject to Board approval, the draft policy will be published for an 8-week public consultation running from 20 July to 11 September 2026. Consultees will include tenants, landlords, letting agents, partner organisations and relevant Council services. Feedback will be considered and incorporated where appropriate before final versions are returned to the Board for adoption in September 2026.
The policy is necessary to:
To implement the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. Provide transparency and consistency in enforcement decision-making. Protect tenants, particularly vulnerable residents. Improve housing standards across the private rented sector.
And
Support responsible landlords while tackling rogue and non-compliant operators.
Members are asked to approve the policy for public consultation and support the proposed arrangements necessary to implement the Council's expanded housing enforcement responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
A Member expressed concern that with the pressures of the Regulator for Social Housing on our own tenants, would there be resource to deal with the additional pressure this would cause officers.
It was recognised that there would be additional demand on resource but advised that it was hoped that the additional burdens fund and the PRS database would provide some income, but there may still be a shortfall.
Clarification was sought on what was defined as a licensed HMO and the Board was advised that HMO’s was defined as 3 or more non related adults living in the same property. If there were 5 or more people from 2 separate households, the HMO was required to be licensed, if there was not, then licensing was not required.
It was hoped that the database publication would provide a mechanism to capture all the properties not currently registered.
The Board was advised that there was currently 43 licensed HMO’s in the Borough.
In answer to a Member’s question, the Board was advised that there was some sensitivity around tenants that were vulnerable and were choosing to live in overcrowded properties. This could be cultural, or it could be that it was the only available option to them.
It was acknowledged that there would also be an increase in the legal work associated with enforcement. Work would need to be undertaken to explore what success looked liked in relation to enforcement and minimum standards.
It was also advised that any concerns with RAPS properties would continue to be reported in using the existing channels.
A Member question whether such scheme presented a risk in reducing the amount of rental accommodation available, it was advised that it did but that it had been implemented successfully in Wales, without the reduction in availability.
RESOLVED:
That the Board approves the Draft Private Rented Sector Housing Enforcement Policy in Appendix A for public consultation, and notes the possible resource requirements and income streams
The Board was advised that there was a change in the consultation dates that it would now run from Monday 20th July until the 11th September.
The report sought approval to consult on a policy that would enable the Council to implement the Renters’ Rights Act and strengthen its approach to enforcing standards in the private rented sector.
It provides the framework for how the Council will investigate complaints and breaches/ offences, and undertake enforcement action in a fair, consistent and transparent manner.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents the most significant reform of private rented sector regulation for many years. From May this year, local authorities have enhanced duties to enforce what’s known as the landlord legislation and new powers to address non-compliance. Section 107 of the Act places an expectation on councils to actively enforce the legislation where breaches/ offences are identified.
The Council’s existing enforcement arrangements are no longer fully aligned with the current legislative landscape. The proposed policy will ensure its approach reflects current law, Government expectations and emerging national best practice.
The policy sets out the principles and processes officers will follow when investigating complaints, assessing hazards and deciding on enforcement action.
Key features include:
Clear enforcement principles based on proportionality, consistency, accountability and transparency. Risk-based prioritisation focusing on serious hazards, vulnerable tenants and poor-performing landlords. A structured approach to the use of enforcement powers under the Housing Act 2004, Renters’ Rights Act and associated legislation. Advice and support for compliant landlords. Firm action against landlords who repeatedly or deliberately fail to meet their legal obligations.
The policy aims to improve housing conditions, protect tenants, support responsible landlords and ensure consistent enforcement across the borough's private rented sector of more than 6,000 homes.
It is expected there will be an increase in inspections, investigations, and enforcement action. There will also be additional training requirements and a greater need for legal support.
It is anticipated that there will be income from the new burdens fund, and the public renter database when it is online.
Subject to Board approval, the draft policy will be published for an 8-week public consultation running from 20 July to 11 September 2026. Consultees will include tenants, landlords, letting agents, partner organisations and relevant Council services. Feedback will be considered and incorporated where appropriate before final versions are returned to the Board for adoption in September 2026.
The policy is necessary to:
To implement the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. Provide transparency and consistency in enforcement decision-making. Protect tenants, particularly vulnerable residents. Improve housing standards across the private rented sector.
And
Support responsible landlords while tackling rogue and non-compliant operators.
Members are asked to approve the policy for public consultation and support the proposed arrangements necessary to implement the Council's expanded housing enforcement responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
A Member expressed concern that with the pressures of the Regulator for Social Housing on our own tenants, would there be resource to deal with the additional pressure this would cause officers.
It was recognised that there would be additional demand on resource but advised that it was hoped that the additional burdens fund and the PRS database would provide some income, but there may still be a shortfall.
Clarification was sought on what was defined as a licensed HMO and the Board was advised that HMO’s was defined as 3 or more non related adults living in the same property. If there were 5 or more people from 2 separate households, the HMO was required to be licensed, if there was not, then licensing was not required.
It was hoped that the database publication would provide a mechanism to capture all the properties not currently registered.
The Board was advised that there was currently 43 licensed HMO’s in the Borough.
In answer to a Member’s question, the Board was advised that there was some sensitivity around tenants that were vulnerable and were choosing to live in overcrowded properties. This could be cultural, or it could be that it was the only available option to them.
It was acknowledged that there would also be an increase in the legal work associated with enforcement. Work would need to be undertaken to explore what success looked liked in relation to enforcement and minimum standards.
It was also advised that any concerns with RAPS properties would continue to be reported in using the existing channels.
A Member question whether such scheme presented a risk in reducing the amount of rental accommodation available, it was advised that it did but that it had been implemented successfully in Wales, without the reduction in availability.
RESOLVED:
That the Board approves the Draft Private Rented Sector Housing Enforcement Policy in Appendix A for public consultation, and notes the possible resource requirements and income streams
7
Policy on Civil Penalties Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and Other Housing Legislation
To seek Board approval for the Draft Policy on Civil Penalties Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and Other Housing Legislation (“the Policy”) prior to public consultation; and in due course award a contract to Justice for Tenants for the provision of support services.
Attachments:
- Document 02 GBC report PandO Board Renters Rights Act Civil Penalties 07 Jul 2026
- Document 02A draft GBC policy on civil penalties under the RRA 07 Jul 2026
- Document 02B JFT PRS Enforcement Support 07 Jul 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Environmental Health seeking Board approval for the Draft Policy on Civil Penalties Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and Other Housing Legislation (“the Policy”) prior to public consultation; and in due course award a contract to Justice for Tenants for the provision of support services.
The report seeks approval to consult on The Policy on Civil Penalties under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and Other Housing Legislation
The policy provides the framework for how the Council will apply financial penalties in a fair, consistent and transparent manner. Without the Council cannot issue civil penalties so cannot comply with its legal duty to enforce the landlord legislation.
The Civil Penalties Policy complements the Enforcement Policy by setting out how financial penalties will be calculated and applied.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 significantly expands the range of offences that can attract civil penalties. The Council will be able to impose penalties of:
Up to £40,000 for serious, persistent or repeat offences. Up to £7,000 for initial or less serious breaches.
Penalties may apply to offences under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, the Housing Act 2004, the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations.
The Government has issued statutory guidance which councils must follow when determining penalty levels. Factors include:
Severity of the offence. Harm and risk to tenants. Financial gain obtained by the landlord. Proportionality and deterrence.
The proposed policy is largely based on a nationally developed model produced by the Association of Chief Environmental Health Officers and Justice for Tenants, providing a consistent, defensible and legally robust framework and has been adopted by 99% of Councils across England
Implementation is likely to lead to more civil penalty cases and tribunal proceedings and a greater need for legal support.
While income from civil penalties can be retained and reinvested in enforcement activity, it is expected to be variable and cannot be relied upon as a guaranteed funding source. The intention is that, over time, income from civil penalties and the proposed private rented sector database will help offset enforcement costs and make the service broadly cost-neutral.
The report also proposes that authority be delegated to enter into a support arrangement with Justice for Tenants, which can provide specialist assistance with civil penalties, appeals, rent repayment orders, debt recovery and officer training as the only experts in this field.
The Policy will
Ensure the Council can fully implement the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 complying with its statutory duty.
And
Reduce the risk of successful legal challenge through the use of robust and nationally recognised processes
The Board was advised that the Policy was directly related to the previous policy and essential to take enforcement action.
It was reiterated that Justice for Tenants were experts in complex cases and EHO teams across the country were utilising them.
The policy was based on a draft by national EHO’s and formed a strong legal basis for enforcement.
The Board was advised that a contract would be drawn up regarding the arrangement shortly to allow the policy to be fully implemented after consultation.
RESOLVED:
that the Board:
a) approves for public consultation the Draft Policy on Civil Penalties Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and Other Housing Legislation; and
b) agrees that the award of the contract with Justice for Tenants is delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive & Head of Benefits, Procurement & Insurance.
The report seeks approval to consult on The Policy on Civil Penalties under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and Other Housing Legislation
The policy provides the framework for how the Council will apply financial penalties in a fair, consistent and transparent manner. Without the Council cannot issue civil penalties so cannot comply with its legal duty to enforce the landlord legislation.
The Civil Penalties Policy complements the Enforcement Policy by setting out how financial penalties will be calculated and applied.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 significantly expands the range of offences that can attract civil penalties. The Council will be able to impose penalties of:
Up to £40,000 for serious, persistent or repeat offences. Up to £7,000 for initial or less serious breaches.
Penalties may apply to offences under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, the Housing Act 2004, the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations.
The Government has issued statutory guidance which councils must follow when determining penalty levels. Factors include:
Severity of the offence. Harm and risk to tenants. Financial gain obtained by the landlord. Proportionality and deterrence.
The proposed policy is largely based on a nationally developed model produced by the Association of Chief Environmental Health Officers and Justice for Tenants, providing a consistent, defensible and legally robust framework and has been adopted by 99% of Councils across England
Implementation is likely to lead to more civil penalty cases and tribunal proceedings and a greater need for legal support.
While income from civil penalties can be retained and reinvested in enforcement activity, it is expected to be variable and cannot be relied upon as a guaranteed funding source. The intention is that, over time, income from civil penalties and the proposed private rented sector database will help offset enforcement costs and make the service broadly cost-neutral.
The report also proposes that authority be delegated to enter into a support arrangement with Justice for Tenants, which can provide specialist assistance with civil penalties, appeals, rent repayment orders, debt recovery and officer training as the only experts in this field.
The Policy will
Ensure the Council can fully implement the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 complying with its statutory duty.
And
Reduce the risk of successful legal challenge through the use of robust and nationally recognised processes
The Board was advised that the Policy was directly related to the previous policy and essential to take enforcement action.
It was reiterated that Justice for Tenants were experts in complex cases and EHO teams across the country were utilising them.
The policy was based on a draft by national EHO’s and formed a strong legal basis for enforcement.
The Board was advised that a contract would be drawn up regarding the arrangement shortly to allow the policy to be fully implemented after consultation.
RESOLVED:
that the Board:
a) approves for public consultation the Draft Policy on Civil Penalties Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and Other Housing Legislation; and
b) agrees that the award of the contract with Justice for Tenants is delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive & Head of Benefits, Procurement & Insurance.
8
Any other items
Which the Chairman deems urgent
Minutes
There were none.
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