The specific services provided include:

• Offering advice and encouragement to all housing providers so as to ensure high standards of housing
• Responding to complaints of unsatisfactory or unsuitable housing
• Enforcing legal housing standards using a wide range of statutory powers
• The routine inspection of all known houses in multiple occupation, driven by a risk assessment programme
• The routine inspection of residential mobile home sites to ensure compliance with licence conditions
• Inspection and Accreditation of all private sector accommodation that is provided or promoted by both the council's Housing and Social Services Department and other housing providers such as Swindon College
• Provision of advice and financial assistance to disabled occupiers who require adaptations to their homes
• Encourage the rehabilitation of unfit housing by all means including the offer of financial grant assistance
• Provide financial assistance to elderly or other vulnerable occupiers to enable the carrying out of urgently needed repairs to enable them to remain in their homes
• Encourage improvements to the thermal efficiency of housing, including offering financial assistance, advice and other promotional activities
• Monitor the overall improvement of home energy efficiency throughout the borough
• Carry out routine inspections of guest houses and other bed and breakfast establishments promoted by the council
• Encourage the re-use of void properties for housing purposes
• Maintain a regular forum for dialogue between private sector landlords and the council
• Generally maximise the availability of quality private rented accommodation
• Promotion of good standards and practices in all areas of housing

Contact

If you have any enquiries, please telephone Joy Collins in our Administration section on 01793 466063.or email Residential Services Group Leader - Paul Simmonds - psimmonds@swindon.gov.uk