News
Camden Councillor prosecuted for housing offences
A Camden councillor has been prosecuted after he failed to carry out essential improvements to a private rented property that he owns.
Councillor Jonny Bucknell, Conservative Councillor for Belsize Ward and Director of J Bucknell Ltd Estate Management, was prosecuted by his own council after he failed to carry out improvements to a private rented property.
We understand Cllr Bucknell was also previously the Conservative Group’s spokesperson on housing issues.
The prosecution occurred just weeks after Camden Council introduced an additional licensing scheme in an attempt to drive up housing standards in the borough, making it clear that no one is above the law.
A Camden Council spokesperson said:
“Camden only takes criminal proceedings after it has carefully considered the facts of each case and determines that it is in the public interest to do so. This is a decision which is ultimately taken by the Council’s Borough Solicitor – in this particular case having taken specialist external advice.
“Mr Bucknell entered a plea of guilty and the court were informed of the relevant facts and heard full mitigation before passing sentence. It is hoped that the required improvement works on the property will be completed as soon as possible.“
