Zero Tolerance – £30k per offence?

My council have invented a ‘zero tolerance’ policy in relation to enforcement of housing standards. They are saying that effectively they can fine up to 30k PER ‘OFFENCE’ and will be an ‘on the spot’ type of fine whereby the landlord will not be given any chance whatsoever to put the situation right, they will just be given a 30k fine.

This includes properties not requiring a licence. How can this possibly be even legal?

The ‘policy’ was ratified by the Council and signed off, however NONE of the landlords I am speaking to on a regular basis have been made aware of this policy. Surely Council’s can’t do this in a civilised society?

They can fine, for instance, if they do a door to door patrol and find a fire door wedged open, exit blocked etc etc or you have simply not understood the regulations. They can fine you for just ‘getting it wrong’ and gone are the days when you receive an HHSRS giving you a timeline to do the work.

I wondered if anyone else has come across this and if this should be legally challenged?

Marie