Issue - meetings

ES 18017

The report on the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS) had been written by Mr Rob Vale. The report was coming to the PPS/PDS Committee for pre-decision scrutiny before going to the Executive for approval. The report was also going to be considered by the Renewal and Recreation PDS Committee on 27^th March 2018.

The report had been written to provide the Committee with details of a Proceeds of Crime Investigation which had resulted in an award of money to the local authority, and to request the release of funds.

Trading Standards had been working in partnership with Planning Enforcement to take action against a private landlord who had been providing housing to people on low incomes. The five bedroomed property had been providing accommodation that was illegal and also below required living standards. Action taken by the Council had resulted in the Court granting a Confiscation Order against the defendant for the sum of £144,388. Trading Standards had spent £11,630 in pursuing the case on a part time financial abuse/scams officer. The remaining balance of the funds appropriated was £132,758, and it was proposed that £84,633 be allocated to Planning Enforcement, and that £48,125 be allocated to Community Safety/Trading Standards to continue funding investigative work into financial abuse and scams.

RESOLVED that the report is noted, and the Committee agreed the recommendations that would be put to the Executive for the drawdown and carrying forward of funds.