Thanet District Council vs Tamiz project team named as a finalist in leading industry awards

A team of Thanet District Council officers has been selected as a finalist in the ‘Team of the Year’ category of the Inside Housing ‘Housing Heroes’ Awards 2023. The industry-leading awards recognise achievements at all levels, from organisations working within the housing sector.

The Thanet District Council vs Tamiz project team comprised officers from our Private Sector Housing and Legal teams. The team was brought together to bring a prosecution against four defendants, after investigating allegations of criminal activity taking place in a building of 26 flats in Athelstan Road in Margate. The case is believed to be the largest ever prosecution of its type for offences under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

In July 2022, the four defendants were found guilty by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court of a total of 28 offences including conspiring to unlawfully evict a tenant, conspiring to burgle and conspiring to interfere with, and directly interfering with, the peace or comfort of a residential occupier. They were sentenced in October 2022. 

Bob Porter, Director of Place for Thanet District Council, said: “Ensuring the ongoing safety of all of our residents is a key priority and fundamental to the work that we do. Our officers worked tirelessly to secure the successful prosecution removing one of the most notorious rogue landlords from operating in the district.

“Being recognised for this case sends a strong message again that this council will not tolerate illegal landlords persecuting vulnerable tenants.”

Sameera Khan, Interim Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer at Thanet District Council, said: “This prosecution was brought to achieve justice for some of the most vulnerable residents in our community and to deter others from committing similar acts. It was an ambitious project, but the team’s hard work certainly paid off. 

“We’re extremely proud of the team and of the outcome achieved. I’d like to express our thanks to both the Legal and the Private Sector Housing teams for such an achievement. We couldn’t have achieved this without their hard work.”

The winning submission will be announced on Monday 26 June 2023 at a ceremony to take place in London. You can read more about the awards and finalists in all categories on the Housing Heroes awards website.

You can read more about the successful prosecution and sentencing on our website.