Issue - items at meetings - Private Sector Housing update

RESOLVED:

2.1      Housing Committee to note the updates on progress against key elements of the Housing Committee Work Plan objectives to improve the quality and management of homes in the private rented sector as set out in this report.

2.2      Housing Committee to note the review (Appendix 1) of the current national position with regard to selective licensing designations to better understand the current context within which any approvals are being given.

2.3      Housing Committee to delegate authority to the Executive Director for Housing Neighbourhoods and Communities to proceed with commissioning any further consultancy work needed prior to any recommendation to Committee on undertaking any formal consultation on a selective licensing scheme.

66.1    The Head of Temporary & Supported Accommodation introduced the report to the committee.

Answers to Committee Member Questions

66.2    Councillor Gibson was informed that there was evidence for selective licensing of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) and the evidence threshold was high.

66.3    Councillor Williams considered evidence gathering was good, but they were concerned at the process and ask that the committee Members had oversight.

66.4    Councillor Osborne was informed that there had been significant extra investment in enforcement and the council wants to reach out to partners and the private sector. It was noted that stakeholders need to know who to contact with regards to enforcement.

66.5    Councillor Meadows considered that a one year licence for an HMO would allow the Planning team time to catch-up and this could be revoked after one year. The councillor was informed that the 2020 stock condition survey included the private sector. It was noted that the one year licences are being issued before Planning have made any investigations or decisions. It was also noted that £15,000 was agreed in September 2021 and this would form part of recommendation 2.3 as the £15,000 plus the £50,000 totalled £65,000. The Executive Director for Housing Neighbourhoods & Communities noted that budgets were in the last private sector update and the spending was broadly within that.

66.6    Councillor Platts was informed that HMOs pay domestic, not business rates and the Ethical Landlords Charter was still being worked on.

66.7    Councillor Meadows was informed that the Secretary of State’s approval was not required for selective licensing schemes affecting less than 20% of the council’s area or less than 20% of privately rented homes in the area. The previous unsuccessful scheme was City wide.

Vote

66.8    A vote was taken, and by a unanimous vote the recommendations were agreed.

66.9    RESOLVED:

2.1      Housing Committee note the updates on progress against key elements of the Housing Committee Work Plan objectives to improve the quality and management of homes in the private rented sector as set out in this report.

2.2      Housing Committee note the review (Appendix 1) of the current national position with regard to selective licensing designations to better understand the current context within which any approvals are being given.

2.3      Housing Committee delegate authority to the Executive Director for Housing Neighbourhoods and Communities to proceed with commissioning any further consultancy work needed prior to any recommendation to Committee on undertaking any formal consultation on a selective licensing scheme.