Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Place

The Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board (3) considered a report of the Executive Director of Place that set out recommendations of the Board’s Task and Finish Group on Discretionary Licensing. Councillor Welsh, the Chair of the Group was invited to attend the meeting for consideration of this item.

The Task and Finish Group was established by the Board in June 2014 to consider the practicalities and implications of introducing a licensing scheme for the private rented sector in the city. The report of the Group, attached as an appendix to the report, considered whether certain areas of the city met the Government’s required criteria for implementing such a scheme. This included the examination of data available on percentages of private rented properties, anti-social behaviour and levels of deprivation for all wards of the city.

The report recommended that the Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Employment, initiate the process to implement a selective licensing scheme, which included a public consultation requirement with all key stakeholders.

The Housing Act 2004 stated that when considering designating an area the local housing authority must: take reasonable steps to consult persons who were likely to be affected by the designation; and consider any representations made in accordance with the consultation. On completion of the consultation, the results should be published and made available to the local community.

The Board questioned officers and discussed the following issues:

·  Proposals for the future ‘roll-out’ of a Licensing Scheme across the City if the St. Michael’s Ward Scheme is successful.

·  Potential improvements to housing conditions through selective licensing - standard/condition of housing to be kept under review through the inclusion of property safety certificates in the Licence.

·  Housing Officers inspections – identifying landlord neglect of premises and/or tenant damage.

·  Encouraging sign up to the Accredited Landlord Scheme by offer of a discount to the Licence.

·  Data – available by ward,  on numbers of private rented properties, levels of deprivation and anti-social behaviour reported to the police, noise complaints and fly-tipping.  

·  Consultation – Landlords and Landlord Associations, key stakeholders across Wards of the City

·  Licence Fee – One charge for a 5 year licence

·  Levels of rent payable – dictated by market forces

·  Requirement for Scheme to be cost neutral – Charges to enable inspection and administration of the scheme only – it does not cover enforcement 

·  Managing risk – project management to ensure criteria for operating a Scheme is fully met and the correct legislative procedures for establishing a Scheme is accurately followed. Evidence provided to support justification of a Scheme. Continuous monitoring of implemented Scheme

The Chair of the Board thanked the Elected Members appointed to the Task and Finish Group and to the officers who supported the Group, on the work they had undertaken.

The Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Employment welcomed the Scheme and indicated his full support for the proposals.

The Board requested that they be provided with information on how the data on privately rented properties was calculated.

RESOLVED that the Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board (3):

(1)  Supports the recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Employment.

(2)  Agrees to receive a further report on progress against the recommendations in 12 months’ time.