Agenda item - Private Sector Housing: Discretionary licensing schemes – proposed fees and conditions

RESOLVED:

That Housing & New Homes Committee:

2.1      Approve for consultation the proposed fee structure for a Selective Licensing Scheme and Additional HMO Licensing Scheme.

2.2      Approve the updated fee structure for the Mandatory HMO Licensing Scheme.

2.3      Note the draft Selective Licensing Scheme conditions and updated Additional HMO Licensing Scheme conditions attached at Appendix 1 and 2.

2.4      Note the updated conditions for the Mandatory HMO Scheme attached at Appendix 2.

23.1      The Head of Strategy & Supply introduced the report to the committee.

23.2      Following questions, the committee were informed that: during the process for applying for a new Housing of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) the fitness of the applicant will be looked at; the council are not allowed to make a profit from the licensing system of applications; residents are contacted by the local authority and informed of the online surveys, and are also contacted via postcard drops, posters and social media; meetings are online and in person; the benefits for residents are better managed properties; the schemes are fixed term, and the current scheme has finished and a new one started; application needs to be made to the Secretary of State, and if approved can start in early 2025; actions are taken against landlords that do not react to mould in properties; the cost of the scheme is guaranteed to cover the outlay.

Vote

23.3      A vote was taken, and by 9 to 1 against (Councillor Meadows), the committee agreed the recommendations.

RESOLVED:

That Housing & New Homes Committee:

2.1      Approve for consultation the proposed fee structure for a Selective Licensing Scheme and Additional HMO Licensing Scheme.

2.2      Approve the updated fee structure for the Mandatory HMO Licensing Scheme.

2.3      Note the draft Selective Licensing Scheme conditions and updated Additional HMO Licensing Scheme conditions attached at Appendix 1 and 2.

2.4      Note the updated conditions for the Mandatory HMO Scheme attached at Appendix 2.