PART 2

REGISTERED SOCIAL LANDLORDS
CHAPTER 4

ENFORCEMENT

General

Welsh Ministers' enforcement powers: general
50
After section 50 of the Housing Act 1996 insert—
CHAPTER 4A

ENFORCEMENT POWERS

General

Application of Chapter 4A
50A
This Chapter does not apply in relation to a registered social landlord’s provision of housing in England.

Exercise of enforcement powers
51
After section 50A of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Exercise of enforcement powers
50B
1
This section applies where the Welsh Ministers are deciding—
a
whether to exercise an enforcement power,
b
which enforcement power to exercise, or
c
how to exercise an enforcement power.
2
The Welsh Ministers must consider—
a
the desirability of registered social landlords being free to choose how to provide services and conduct business;
b
whether the failure or other problem concerned is serious or trivial;
c
whether the failure or other problem is a recurrent or isolated incident;
d
the speed with which the failure or other problem needs to be addressed.
3
In subsection (1), an “enforcement power” means a power exercisable under any of the following provisions—
- this Chapter,
- paragraphs 4, 6 to 8, 14 to 15B, 15D, 15F and 15H of Part 2 of Schedule 1,
- paragraphs 20 to 27 of Part 4 of Schedule 1.

Enforcement notice

Grounds for giving notice
52
After section 50B of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Enforcement notice

Grounds for giving notice
50C
1
The Welsh Ministers may give an enforcement notice to a registered social landlord if they are satisfied that—
a
any of the following cases applies, and
b
giving an enforcement notice is appropriate (whether it is likely to be sufficient in itself or a prelude to further action).
2
Case 1 is where the registered social landlord has failed to meet a standard applicable to it under section 33A.
3
Case 2 is where there has been misconduct or mismanagement in the affairs of the registered social landlord.
4
Case 3 is where the registered social landlord has failed to comply with an earlier enforcement notice.
5
Case 4 is where the registered social landlord has failed to publish information in accordance with a requirement under section 50I(3) or 50Q(3).
6
Case 5 is where the interests of tenants of the registered social landlord require protection.
7
Case 6 is where the registered social landlord’s assets require protection.
8
Case 7 is where the registered social landlord has given an undertaking under section 6A and failed to comply with it.
9
Case 8 is where an offence under this Part has been committed by the registered social landlord.
10
Case 9 is where the registered social landlord has failed to implement a recommendation made by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales in a report prepared under section 16 of the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005.
11
Where the Welsh Ministers are satisfied that an offence under this Part has been committed in respect of a registered social landlord but by another person (such as a member, employee or agent of the registered social landlord)—
a
Case 8 applies,
b
the Welsh Ministers may give an enforcement notice to the other person, and
c
this Chapter applies with the substitution of references to that other person for references to the registered social landlord.

Content
53
After section 50C of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Content
50D
1
An enforcement notice must—
a
specify the grounds on which it is given,
b
specify the action the Welsh Ministers want the registered social landlord to take in response to the notice,
c
specify when the action is to be taken (which may be immediately on receipt of the notice), and
d
explain the effect of sections 50E to 50G.
2
The action specified in an enforcement notice may include publishing the notice in a specified manner.

Appeal
54
After section 50D of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Appeal
50E
A registered social landlord who is given an enforcement notice may appeal to the High Court.

Withdrawal
55
After section 50E of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Withdrawal
50F
The Welsh Ministers may withdraw an enforcement notice by notice to the registered social landlord.

Sanction
56
After section 50F of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Sanction
50G
1
In the case of an enforcement notice given to a person other than the registered social landlord by virtue of section 50C(11), the Welsh Ministers may only—
a
exercise the power to issue a penalty notice to the person in accordance with the next group of sections, or
b
take steps to have the person prosecuted for the offence by reference to which the enforcement notice was given.
2
A person to whom an enforcement notice is given on the ground in Case 8 of section 50C may not be prosecuted for the offence by reference to which the enforcement notice was given unless the person fails to comply with the enforcement notice.

Penalty

Grounds for imposition
57
After section 50G of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Penalty

Grounds for imposition
50H
1
The Welsh Ministers may require a registered social landlord to pay a penalty if they are satisfied that—
a
any of the following cases applies, and
b
the imposition of a penalty is appropriate (whether or not as part of a response including other action).
2
Case 1 is where the registered social landlord has failed to meet a standard under section 33A.
3
Case 2 is where there has been misconduct or mismanagement in the affairs of the registered social landlord.
4
Case 3 is where the registered social landlord has failed to comply with an enforcement notice.
5
Case 4 is where the registered social landlord has given an undertaking under section 6A and failed to comply with it.
6
Case 5 is where an offence under this Part has been committed by the registered social landlord.
7
Where the Welsh Ministers are satisfied that an offence under this Part has been committed in respect of a registered social landlord but by another person (such as a member, employee or agent of the registered social landlord)—
a
Case 5 applies,
b
the Welsh Ministers may require the other person to pay a penalty, and
c
this Chapter applies with the substitution of references to that other person for references to the registered social landlord.
8
In order to rely on Case 5 the Welsh Ministers must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that it applies.

Imposition
58
After section 50H of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Imposition
50I
1
A penalty is imposed by the Welsh Ministers giving notice (a “penalty notice”) to the registered social landlord.
2
The notice must specify—
a
the grounds on which the penalty is imposed,
b
the amount of the penalty,
c
how the penalty must be paid,
d
a period within which it must be paid, and
e
any interest or additional penalty which, by virtue of section 50M, is payable in the event of late payment.
3
The notice may require the registered social landlord to publish information about the penalty in a specified manner.
4
The notice must explain the effect of sections 50M(1), (3) and (5) and 50N.

Amount
59
After section 50I of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Amount
50J
1
The amount of a penalty imposed on the ground specified in Case 5 of section 50H may not exceed the maximum amount of fine that a magistrates' court could impose for the relevant offence.
2
The amount of a penalty imposed on the ground specified in any other Case of that section may not exceed £5,000.
3
The Welsh Ministers may by order amend the amount specified in subsection (2).
4
An order under subsection (3) is to be made by statutory instrument and must not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the National Assembly for Wales.

Warning
60
After section 50J of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Warning
50K
1
Before giving a penalty notice to a registered social landlord the Welsh Ministers must give the landlord a notice (a “pre-penalty warning”)—
a
specifying grounds on which the Welsh Ministers think a penalty could be imposed,
b
warning the landlord that the Welsh Ministers are considering imposing a penalty,
c
including any indication that the Welsh Ministers are able to give of the likely amount of any penalty, and
d
explaining the effect of sections 50L, 50M(1), (3) and (5) and 50N.
2
The Welsh Ministers must send a copy of a pre-penalty warning to any person they think appropriate (having regard, in particular, to any person who provided information as a result of which the pre-penalty warning is given).
3
A pre-penalty warning must—
a
refer to section 6A, and
b
indicate whether or to what extent the Welsh Ministers would accept a voluntary undertaking instead of, or in mitigation of, a penalty.
4
A pre-penalty warning may be combined with notice under one or more of the following—
a
section 50S,
b
paragraphs 15C, 15E and 15G of Schedule 1.

Representations
61
After section 50K of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Representations
50L
1
A pre-penalty warning must specify a period during which the registered social landlord may make representations to the Welsh Ministers.
2
The period must—
a
be a period of at least 28 days, and
b
begin with the date on which the registered social landlord receives the pre-penalty warning.
3
Representations may address—
a
whether a penalty should be imposed;
b
the amount of any penalty that may be imposed.
4
After the end of the period specified under subsection (1) the Welsh Ministers must—
a
consider any representations made, and
b
decide whether to impose a penalty.

Enforcement
62
After section 50L of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Enforcement
50M
1
A penalty is to be treated as a debt owed to the Welsh Ministers.
2
The Welsh Ministers may—
a
charge interest on a penalty not paid during the period specified under section 50I(2)(d);
b
impose one or more additional penalties where a penalty is not paid during that period.
3
Interest and additional penalty are to be treated as penalty (and may have the effect of increasing the penalty above a limit set by section 50J).
4
A penalty notice may include provision allowing a discount if the penalty is paid on or before a date specified in the notice (falling within the period specified under section 50I(2)(d)).
5
A person to whom a penalty notice is given on the ground in Case 5 of section 50H may not be prosecuted for the offence by reference to which the penalty notice was given.

Appeal
63
After section 50M of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Appeal
50N
A registered social landlord who is given a penalty notice may appeal to the High Court against—
a
the imposition of the penalty,
b
its amount, or
c
both.

Compensation

Grounds for award
64
After section 50N of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Compensation

Grounds for award
50O
1
The Welsh Ministers may require a registered social landlord to pay compensation if they are satisfied that—
a
either of the following cases applies, and
b
the award of compensation is appropriate (whether or not as part of a response including other action).
2
Case 1 is where the registered social landlord has failed to meet a standard under section 33A.
3
Case 2 is where the registered social landlord has given an undertaking under section 6A and failed to comply with it.

Persons to whom compensation may be awarded
65
After section 50O of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Persons to whom compensation may be awarded
50P
Compensation in respect of a failure may be awarded to one or more persons who have suffered as a result of the failure.

Award
66
After section 50P of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Award
50Q
1
Compensation is awarded by the Welsh Ministers giving notice (a “compensation notice”) to—
a
the registered social landlord, and
b
the person to be compensated.
2
The notice must specify—
a
the grounds on which the compensation is awarded,
b
the amount of the compensation,
c
the person to be compensated,
d
a period within which it must be paid, and
e
any interest or additional compensation which, by virtue of section 50U(2), is payable in the event of late payment.
3
The notice may require the registered social landlord to publish information about the compensation award in a specified manner.
4
The notice must explain the effect of sections 50U(1) and (3) and 50V.

Impact
67
After section 50Q of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Impact
50R
1
This section applies when the Welsh Ministers are considering—
a
whether to award compensation, or
b
the amount of compensation to award.
2
The Welsh Ministers must take account of any information available to them about the financial situation of the registered social landlord.
3
The Welsh Ministers must consider the likely impact of the compensation on the registered social landlord’s ability to provide services.
4
In particular, the Welsh Minsters must aim to avoid—
a
jeopardising the financial viability of the registered social landlord,
b
preventing the registered social landlord from honouring financial commitments, or
c
preventing the registered social landlord from taking action to remedy the matters on the grounds of which the compensation might be awarded.

Warning
68
After section 50R of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Warning
50S
1
Before giving a compensation notice to a registered social landlord the Welsh Ministers must give the landlord a notice (a “pre-compensation warning”)—
a
specifying grounds on which the Welsh Ministers think compensation could be awarded,
b
warning the landlord that the Welsh Ministers are considering awarding compensation to a specified person,
c
including any indication that the Welsh Ministers are able to give of the likely amount of any compensation, and
d
explaining the effect of sections 50T, 50U(1) and (3) and 50V.
2
Before giving a pre-compensation warning the Welsh Ministers must consult the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.
3
The Welsh Ministers must send a copy of a pre-compensation warning to any person they think appropriate (having regard, in particular, to any person who provided information as a result of which the pre-compensation warning is given).
4
A pre-compensation warning must—
a
refer to section 6A, and
b
indicate whether or to what extent the Welsh Ministers would accept a voluntary undertaking instead of, or in mitigation of, awarding compensation.
5
A pre-compensation warning may be combined with notice under one or more of the following—
a
section 50K,
b
paragraphs 15C, 15E and 15G of Schedule 1.

Representations
69
After section 50S of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Representations
50T
1
A pre-compensation warning must specify a period during which the registered social landlord may make representations to the Welsh Ministers.
2
The period must—
a
be a period of at least 28 days, and
b
begin with the date on which the registered social landlord receives the pre-compensation warning.
3
Representations may address—
a
whether compensation should be awarded;
b
the amount of any compensation that may be awarded.
4
After the end of the period specified under subsection (1) the Welsh Ministers must—
a
consider any representations made, and
b
decide whether to award compensation.

Enforcement
70
After section 50T of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Enforcement
50U
1
Compensation is to be treated as a debt owed to the person to whom it is awarded.
2
The Welsh Ministers may —
a
award interest on compensation not paid during the period specified under section 50Q(2)(d);
b
award additional compensation where compensation is not paid during that period.
3
Interest and additional compensation are to be treated as compensation.

Appeal
71
After section 50U of the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Appeal
50V
A registered social landlord who is given a compensation notice may appeal to the High Court against—
a
the award of compensation,
b
its amount, or
c
both.

Management and constitution of registered social landlords

Management tender
72
After paragraph 15A of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Management etc

Management tender
15B
1
This paragraph applies if the Welsh Ministers are satisfied that—
a
a registered social landlord has failed to meet a standard under section 33A, or
b
there has been misconduct or mismanagement in the affairs of the registered social landlord.
2
But this paragraph does not apply where the misconduct or mismanagement relates only to the registered social landlord’s provision of housing in England.
3
The Welsh Ministers may require the registered social landlord to implement a process specified by them for the purpose of—
a
inviting persons to apply to undertake management functions of the registered social landlord, and
b
selecting from the applications and making an appointment.
4
A requirement may relate to—
a
the registered social landlord’s affairs generally, or
b
specified affairs.
5
A requirement must include—
a
provision about the constitution of a selection panel (which must include provision for ensuring representation of tenants' interests),
b
provision for ensuring best procurement practice (and consistent with any applicable procurement law), and
c
provision about the terms and conditions on which the manager is to be appointed (including provision about—
i
setting, monitoring and enforcing performance standards, and
ii
resources).

Management tender: supplemental
73
After paragraph 15B of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Management tender: supplemental
15C
1
Before acting under paragraph 15B(3) the Welsh Ministers must give the registered social landlord a notice—
a
specifying grounds on which action might be taken under that paragraph,
b
warning the landlord that the Welsh Ministers are considering action under that paragraph, and
c
explaining the effect of this paragraph.
2
The notice must specify a period during which the registered social landlord may make representations to the Welsh Ministers.
3
The period must—
a
be a period of at least 28 days, and
b
begin with the date on which the registered social landlord receives the notice.
4
The Welsh Ministers must send a copy of a notice under sub-paragraph (1) to any person they think appropriate (having regard, in particular, to any person who provided information as a result of which the notice is given).
5
A notice under sub-paragraph (1) must—
a
refer to section 6A, and
b
indicate whether or to what extent the Welsh Ministers would accept a voluntary undertaking instead of, or in mitigation of, action under paragraph 15B(3).
6
Notice under sub-paragraph (1) may be combined with notice under one or more of the following—
a
sections 50K and 50S,
b
paragraphs 15E and 15G.
7
In imposing a requirement the Welsh Ministers must have regard to views of—
a
relevant tenants,
b
the registered social landlord, and
c
if they think it appropriate, any relevant local housing authority.
8
A registered social landlord may appeal to the High Court against a requirement under paragraph 15B(3).

Management transfer
74
After paragraph 15C of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Management transfer
15D
1
This paragraph applies if, as a result of an inquiry under paragraph 20 or an audit under paragraph 22, the Welsh Ministers are satisfied that—
a
there has been misconduct or mismanagement in the affairs of the registered social landlord, or
b
a transfer of certain of a registered social landlord’s management functions would be likely to improve the management of some or all of its affairs.
2
But this paragraph does not apply where—
a
the misconduct or mismanagement relates only to the registered social landlord’s provision of housing in England, or
b
the transfer would be likely to improve the registered social landlord’s management of its affairs only in relation to the provision of housing in England.
3
The Welsh Ministers may require the registered social landlord to transfer management functions to a specified person.
4
A requirement may relate to—
a
the registered social landlord’s affairs generally, or
b
specified affairs.
5
Transfer is to be on terms and conditions (including as to remuneration) specified in, or determined in accordance with, the requirement.
6
A transferee manager is to have—
a
any power specified in the requirement, and
b
any other power in relation to the registered social landlord’s affairs required by the manager for the purposes specified in the requirement (including the power to enter into agreements and take other action on behalf of the registered social landlord).

Management transfer: supplemental
75
After paragraph 15D of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Management transfer: supplemental
15E
1
Before acting under paragraph 15D(3) the Welsh Ministers must give the registered social landlord a notice—
a
specifying grounds on which action might be taken under that paragraph,
b
warning the landlord that the Welsh Ministers are considering action under that paragraph, and
c
explaining the effect of this paragraph.
2
The notice must specify a period during which the registered social landlord may make representations to the Welsh Ministers.
3
The period must—
a
be a period of at least 28 days, and
b
begin with the date on which the registered social landlord receives the notice.
4
The Welsh Ministers must send a copy of a notice under sub-paragraph (1) to any person they think appropriate (having regard, in particular, to any person who provided information as a result of which the notice is given).
5
A notice under sub-paragraph (1) must—
a
refer to section 6A, and
b
indicate whether or to what extent the social landlord would accept a voluntary undertaking instead of, or in mitigation of, action under paragraph 15D(3).
6
Notice under sub-paragraph (1) may be combined with notice under one or more of the following—
a
sections 50K and 50S,
b
paragraphs 15C and 15G.
7
In imposing a requirement the Welsh Ministers must have regard to views of—
a
relevant tenants,
b
the registered social landlord, and
c
if they think it appropriate, any relevant local housing authority.
8
A registered social landlord may appeal to the High Court against a requirement under paragraph 15D(3).

Appointment of manager of registered social landlord
76
After paragraph 15E of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Appointment of manager of registered social landlord
15F
1
This paragraph applies if the Welsh Ministers are satisfied that—
a
a registered social landlord has failed to meet a standard under section 33A, or
b
there has been misconduct or mismanagement in the affairs of the registered social landlord.
2
But this paragraph does not apply where the misconduct or mismanagement relates only to the registered social landlord’s provision of housing in England.
3
The Welsh Ministers may—
a
appoint an individual as a manager of the registered social landlord, or
b
require the registered social landlord to appoint an individual as a manager.
4
An appointment or requirement may relate to the management of —
a
the registered social landlord’s affairs generally, or
b
specified affairs.
5
Appointment is to be on terms and conditions (including as to remuneration) specified in, or determined in accordance with, the appointment or requirement.
6
A manager is to have—
a
any power specified in the appointment or requirement, and
b
any other power in relation to the registered social landlord’s affairs required by the manager for the purposes specified in the appointment or requirement (including the power to enter into agreements and take other action on behalf of the registered social landlord).

Appointment of manager: supplemental
77
After paragraph 15F of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Appointment of manager: supplemental
15G
1
Before acting under paragraph 15F(3) the Welsh Ministers must give the registered social landlord a notice—
a
specifying grounds on which action might be taken under that paragraph,
b
warning the landlord that the Welsh Ministers are considering action under that paragraph, and
c
explaining the effect of this paragraph.
2
The notice must specify a period during which the registered social landlord may make representations to the Welsh Ministers.
3
The period must—
a
be a period of at least 28 days, and
b
begin with the date on which the registered social landlord receives the notice.
4
The Welsh Ministers must send a copy of a notice under sub-paragraph (1) to any person they think appropriate (having regard, in particular, to any person who provided information as a result of which the notice is given).
5
A notice under sub-paragraph (1) must—
a
refer to section 6A, and
b
indicate whether or to what extent the Welsh Ministers would accept a voluntary undertaking instead of, or in mitigation of, action under paragraph 15F(3).
6
Notice under sub-paragraph (1) may be combined with notice under one or more of the following—
a
sections 50K and 50S,
b
paragraphs 15C and 15E.
7
The Welsh Ministers may require a manager to report to them on the affairs specified in the appointment or requirement under paragraph 15F(3).
8
A registered social landlord may appeal to the High Court against an appointment or requirement under paragraph 15F(3).

Amalgamation
78
After paragraph 15G of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996 insert—

Amalgamation
15H
1
This paragraph applies if as a result of an inquiry under paragraph 20 or an audit under paragraph 22, the Welsh Ministers are satisfied that—
a
there has been misconduct or mismanagement in the affairs of a registered social landlord which is an industrial and provident society, or
b
the management of the affairs of a registered social landlord which is an industrial and provident society would be improved if the landlord were amalgamated with another industrial and provident society.
2
But this paragraph does not apply where—
a
the misconduct or mismanagement relates only to the registered social landlord’s provision of housing in England, or
b
the amalgamation would improve the management of the registered social landlord’s affairs only in relation to the provision of housing in England.
3
The Welsh Ministers may make and execute on behalf of the society an instrument providing for the amalgamation of the society with another industrial and provident society.
4
An instrument providing for the amalgamation of a society (“S1”) with another has the same effect as a special resolution by S1 under section 50 of the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (amalgamation of societies by special resolution).
5
A copy of an instrument must be sent to and registered by the Financial Services Authority.
6
An instrument does not take effect until the copy is registered.
7
The copy must be sent for registration during the period of 14 days beginning with the date of execution, but a copy registered after that period is valid.
8
Any body created by virtue of an amalgamation must be registered as a social landlord by the Welsh Ministers, and pending registration is to be treated as registered.

Restrictions on dealings during an inquiry
79
In paragraph 23 of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996 (powers exercisable on interim basis), after sub-paragraph (2) insert—
2A
Before making an order under sub-paragraph (2)(b) or (c) the Welsh Ministers must take all reasonable steps to give notice to the registered social landlord and, in the case of an order under sub-paragraph (2)(b), to the person to whom the order is directed.

Restrictions on dealings following an inquiry or extraordinary audit
80
1
Amend paragraph 24 of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996 (powers exercisable as a result of final report or audit) as follows.
2
After sub-paragraph (3) insert—
3A
Before making an order under sub-paragraph (2)(c) or (d) the Welsh Ministers must take all reasonable steps to give notice to the registered social landlord and, in the case of an order under sub-paragraph (2)(c), to the person to whom the order is directed.
3
After sub-paragraph (6) add—
7
An order under sub-paragraph (2)(c) or (d) has effect until revoked by the Welsh Ministers.

Disqualification of removed person
81
1
In paragraph 25 of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996 (disqualification as officer of registered social landlord), after sub-paragraph (4) insert—
4A
The register must show details of any waivers.

Acting while disqualified
82
1
Amend paragraph 26 of Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1996 (persons acting as officer while disqualified) as follows.
2
In sub-paragraph (1)(a) for “six months” substitute “12 months”.
3
After sub-paragraph (1) insert—
1A
In relation to an offence committed before the commencement of section 282 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (short sentences) the reference in sub-paragraph (1)(a) to 12 months has effect as if it were a reference to 6 months.
4
After sub-paragraph (4) add—
5
If a person fails to comply with an order directing repayment, the registered social landlord or the Welsh Ministers (as the case may be) may recover the sum or specified amount as a debt.