Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation and Liability for Housing Standards) Bill

Clive Lewis Excerpts

2nd reading: House of Commons
Friday 19th January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Bob Blackman]

The hon. Gentleman and I would agree that we clearly need to ramp up activity and funding and give local authorities the powers and resources that they need to carry out their duties under both this and other pieces of legislation.

I ask the Minister to consider the sentencing guidelines for rogue landlords. A maximum fine of £30,000 may be possible, but it is rare for the courts to issue such fines. Not only should fines be reinvested into the inspection and enforcement process, but we need clear sentencing guidelines so that magistrates courts can maximise fines, particularly in the worst-case scenarios.

[Clive Lewis (Norwich South) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. May I just confirm something? We only have 23 minutes until the statement, and is it correct that this very important debate must conclude then?

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton)]

There will be a statement at 11 o’clock, but the debate will not conclude then.