Issue - items at meetings - PRS Selective Licensing Update

Report of Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities & Housing

The Committee notes the current position and that there is a lot more work to be undertaken with the aim to bring a report to Housing committee updating on the strength of the evidence to support a scheme in March 2020.

25.1       The Committee considered the report presented by Sylvia Peckham.

25.2      Following a report to Housing & New Homes Committee on 13 March 2019, this report is to further update members by outlining the current position in considering taking forward a smaller-scale selective licensing scheme for private rented housing in the City. This would primarily cover properties occupied by single-family units. It would not cover Houses in Multiple Occupation that are currently licenced under the National or Additional HMO Licensing Schemes.

25.3      Councillor Martin Osborne was informed that the Secretary of State withdrew approval for the previous scheme to designate 12 wards in the city as subject to selective licensing. A smaller scheme with a focus on specific areas where there are indications of poor standards is being explored. The Councillor considered that a standards level should be considered across the country.

25.4      Councillor Theresa Fowler welcomed the initiative.

25.5      Resolved: The Committee notes the current position and that there is a lot more work to be undertaken with the aim to bring a report to Housing committee updating on the strength of the evidence to support a scheme in March 2020.