Issue - items at meetings - Permission to consult on Discretionary Licensing Scheme

Report of the Executive Director for Environment Development & Housing (copy attached).

(1)      That the evidence available to support the possible extension of additional HMO licensing designation to more wards in the city be noted, and that consultation be approved on designation of a further discretionary licensing scheme in relation to HMOs consisting of two or more storeys and with three or more occupiers, other than those that are HMOs by virtue of Section 257 of the Housing Act 2004.

(2)      That the existing register of licensed HMOs is placed and regularly updated on the council website.

57.1   The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director Environment, Development and Housing which provided an update on the evidence and options that may support a possible extension of discretionary licensing to further wards in the City and sought approval to consult on the designation of a further scheme in the areas identified: Brunswick & Adelaide; Central Hove; East Brighton; Goldsmid; Preston Park; Regency and Westbourne.  The report also recommended the wider availability of the existing register of licensed HMOs through publication on the council website. The report was presented by the Head of Housing Strategy & Development – Private Sector Housing. 

57.2   Councillor Peltzer Dunn asked for clarity with regard to the table in paragraph 7.1 of the report.  He asked why the first two columns in the table (3 and 4 occupiers) did not state 2 storey above them.  The Chair agreed that the table was inconsistent. 

57.3   The Head of Housing Strategy & Development agreed to review the table to make it clearer.  

57.4   Councillor Wilson asked if it was theoretically possible for the scheme to include single storey buildings occupied by 3 or 4 people.  The Head of Housing Strategy & Development replied that if there was evidence that these properties caused a problem, they could be included in the future, subject to consultation and approval. 

57.5   Councillor Peltzer Dunn asked if it was possible for a converted or purpose built flat to be included as a single storey HMO.  The Head of Housing Strategy & Development confirmed that this was possible.

57.6   Councillor Meadows welcomed the report and said she supported the publication of landlords’ names online.  This would help residents to find out details of their landlord, if they were experiencing problems. Councillor Meadows noted that officers had said that they were only looking at student accommodation to start with in relation to the registration of existing wards of Moulsecoomb and Bevendean and Hanover and Elm Grove.  This did not include HMOs where people paid council tax.  She understood that more accurate figures were now being sought.  Councillor Meadows stated that she would be interested to see an updated report at a future meeting showing figures for the new wards.  

57.7   The Chair noted that Brunswick and Adelaide Ward had the highest percentage of rented housing in the city and also had the lowest life expectancy.  He confirmed that he had asked for a register of licences granted, including the names and addresses of licence holders and managing agents, to be published online.

57.8   Councillor Peltzer Dunn asked for clarification with regard to recommendation 2.1 which mentioned 2 or more storeys.  The Head of Housing Strategy and Development explained that the recommendations reflected what had been agreed for the previous scheme.  Officers could report back if Members wished to widen the scheme.  It was confirmed that the proposals covered the numbers of people in a property as well as the number of storeys.  

57.9   RESOLVED - (1)     That the evidence available to support the possible extension of additional HMO licensing designation to more wards in the city be noted, and that consultation be approved on designation of a further discretionary licensing scheme in relation to HMOs consisting of two or more storeys and with three or more occupiers, other than those that are HMOs by virtue of Section 257 of the Housing Act 2004.

(2)      That the existing register of licensed HMOs is placed and regularly updated on the council website.