Agenda item

Briefing Note of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

The Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee considered a Briefing Note and presentation of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) which outlined the public consultation currently being carried out to consider the proposed Additional Licensing Scheme for the city. Further views or inputs into the scheme were sought from the Committee. The Committee were provided with the Cabinet Report from 8 January, 2019 setting out proposals for an Additional Licensing Scheme in Coventry. Appendices to the report provided: Additional Licensing Feasibility Report 2018; HMO Licensing Policy 2018; RICS Private Rented Sector Code of Practice; Timeline for Additional Licensing; HMO Licence Fees and Charges; and Equalities Impact Assessment.

It was recognised that there were many good quality landlords operating in the City, but unfortunately there were also those who did not maintain their properties leaving tenants at risk and giving potential problems to neighbouring properties.

Under the Housing Act 2004 Government had legislated to provide local authorities with powers to tackle poor quality HMOs in the PRS through Mandatory Licensing, however this only related to those HMOs that had 5 or more occupants from two or more households.

Although planning policy had been developed to create and sustain an appropriate ‘mixed and balanced communities’, by encouraging the spread of sustainable and viable options for accommodation, the City did have large areas where HMOs within the PRS were substantial in number.

HMOs with 3 or 4 occupants from 2 or more households formed an unusually high percentage of houses in the City (approx. 63%) and provided much needed accommodation for residents, particularly students who would typically live in this type of accommodation following their first year at university. The designation of a Citywide Additional Licensing scheme would therefore enable the Council to regulate all HMOs.

The City Council was required to consult on the proposals, the results of which would influence the final structure and fees and charges for the scheme. The Committee were asked to comment on the proposals as part of the consultation.

The Committee questioned the officers and representatives on a number of issues and responses were provided, matters raised included:

·  A clear definition of what an HMO is

·  How tenants can be informed of their rights and responsibilities under the licensing scheme

·  The powers of Article 4

·  How the increase in purpose-built student accommodation, along-side a licensing scheme will bring houses back into use for families

·  Exemptions of the fees for charitable organisations providing housing

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee:

(1) Notes the content of the presentation

(2) Agrees that the following comments be considered as part of the consultation process:

  i.  The scheme should include a plain English definition of what is an HMO, including examples

  ii.  The number of prosecutions and enforcement actions is reported back to Members on a regular basis.

  iii.  Ensure that the complaints process for tenants is not onerous.

  iv.  That a poster or sign displaying the tenants’ rights and responsibilities be part of the license requirements.

  v.  Consider including DBS checks as part of the licensing process, as with taxi licensing.

  vi.  Officers to continue working with ward members if the scheme is implemented

(3) Indicates that they are generally supportive of the proposed scheme