“Following the City Council’s research and investigations undertaken over eight years, this Council agrees to the principle of introducing selective licensing in Coventry to promote adequate standards of housing and property management in the private rented sector.
It will therefore take all necessary steps towards introducing appropriate special licensing schemes, aiming to cover a minimum of 16 wards in the city.
The forecast £35 million in licence fees over the minimum 5 year term of the schemes will fund proactive enforcement against landlords who fail to meet licensing standards. In this way the special licensing schemes will drive up standards of housing quality and property management, to the benefit of individuals and families who rely upon the private housing sector, to the benefit of their residential neighbours and to the betterment of the city’s housing stock which is a primary built asset of this city, needed to meet the core needs of city residents.”
Minutes:
The following debate was moved by Councillor J Gardiner and seconded by Councillor M Lapsa:
“Following the City Council’s research and investigations undertaken over eight years, this Council agrees to the principle of introducing selective licensing in Coventry to promote adequate standards of housing and property management in the private rented sector.
It will therefore take all necessary steps towards introducing appropriate special licensing schemes, aiming to cover a minimum of 16 wards in the city.
The forecast £35 million in licence fees over the minimum 5-year term of the schemes will fund proactive enforcement against landlords who fail to meet licensing standards. In this way the special licensing schemes will drive up standards of housing quality and property management, to the benefit of individuals and families who rely upon the private housing sector, to the benefit of their residential neighbours and to the betterment of the city’s housing stock which is a primary built asset of this city, needed to meet the core needs of city residents.”
The following amendment was moved by Councillor S Agboola, seconded by Councillor P Akhtar, and accepted by Councillor Gardiner thus becoming the substantive motion (in accordance with paragraph 15.1.7 of the Constitution):
That the Motion as set out as Item 16.2 on the agenda be amended as follows:-
Amend the first paragraph of the original Motion as follows:
Following the City
Council’sThis Council notes
that the City Council has undertaken extensive research and
investigations undertaken over the past eight years
into housing conditions, this Council agrees to
the principle of introducing selective licensing in Coventry to
promote adequate standards of housing and property
management in the private rented sector.
The amended paragraph to read:
This Council notes that the City Council has undertaken extensive research and investigations over the past eight years into housing conditions and property management within Coventry’s private rented sector.
Delete the next two paragraphs of the original Motion and replace with the following:-
This Council further notes that an Additional Licensing scheme is already in operation in parts of the city and has been in place for several years to help drive up standards in the private rented sector.
While the Council recognises the principle that Selective Licensing can be an important tool in improving housing standards and tackling poor property management, this Council believes that any further licensing proposals must be based on clear evidence, a full evaluation of existing schemes, and proper consideration of national legislative changes.
Therefore, this Council resolves that any proposal to introduce Selective Licensing in Coventry will be subject to political approval and the presentation of a detailed report to Cabinet. This report will include a full evaluation of the current Additional Licensing scheme, which has been in operation for several years, and an assessment of the potential impact of the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act on the private rented sector.
Subject to the outcome of this evaluation and Cabinet consideration, the Council will then consider whether the introduction of Selective Licensing in Coventry is appropriate and in the best interests of residents.
The amended Motion now to read:
This Council notes that the City Council has undertaken extensive research and investigations over the past eight years into housing conditions and property management within Coventry’s private rented sector.
This Council further notes that an Additional Licensing scheme is already in operation in parts of the city and has been in place for several years to help drive up standards in the private rented sector.
While the Council recognises the principle that Selective Licensing can be an important tool in improving housing standards and tackling poor property management, this Council believes that any further licensing proposals must be based on clear evidence, a full evaluation of existing schemes, and proper consideration of national legislative changes.
Therefore, this Council resolves that any proposal to introduce Selective Licensing in Coventry will be subject to political approval and the presentation of a detailed report to Cabinet. This report will include a full evaluation of the current Additional Licensing scheme, which has been in operation for several years, and an assessment of the potential impact of the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act on the private rented sector.
Subject to the outcome of this evaluation and Cabinet consideration, the Council will then consider whether the introduction of Selective Licensing in Coventry is appropriate and in the best interests of residents.
RESOLVED that the amended motion as set out in bold above, be adopted.
Note: As the Lord Mayor had declared a pecuniary interest, the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor R Bailey, took the Chair for this item.