This FOI is for the attention of council officers who oversee the private rented sector for the local authority.

1. The total number of officers that work within housing enforcement for the local authority
3

2. How many Environmental Health Officers work for the local authority whose main job is to enforce standards in the private rented sector? (Full Time)
Nil (approx. 0.2fte of one qualified EHO is spent on this area of work)

3. How many officers within the housing enforcement team are employed to resolve tenancy disputes, provide guidance to tenants, ensure that tenancy rights are upheld, and/or prevent homelessness
Our officers are not enforcement officers. The homeless prevention officers within our service provide advice and assistance to customers who are either already homeless or at risk of homelessness within the next 56 days. Their role often involves supporting those who have received notice from private landlords, and as such, they provide guidance to tenants which can include advice around tenant rights and issues arising between tenants and landlords. However, the team does not have enforcement powers; the support is advisory only. All advice and assistance given is in line with the local authority’s duties under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996. Total Homeless Prevention Officers within Housing Needs is - 8.5

4. If the local authority plans to recruit additional staff for housing enforcement in the next 12 months. 
No confirmed plan at date of response.