The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning introduced a report which presented Members with the results of the consultation exercise for re-designating a Selective Licensing Scheme under Section 80 of the Housing Act 2004 which covered all tenanted private rented properties within the specified areas. There were four areas introduced in July 2015 and the proposal extended it to two more designated areas in the Borough.  It was proposed that the six areas were included in a new scheme (referred to as scheme 3) starting on 1^st July 2020.

The maps and address lists for the scheme 3 areas were detailed in the updated Business Case (Appendix 1 to the report). 

The Wirral Plan 2020 set out a commitment to work together up to 2020 and beyond to achieve the 20 pledges, including ‘good quality housing’ which meets the needs of residents, Wirral’s Housing Strategy had supported the 2020 Plan and clearly set out the long-term strategic housing direction for Wirral.  The Council had worked in partnership to deliver the ambitions of the plan and housing priorities working with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to improve the quality, quantity and access to housing.  Building on this good track record, the Council would continue this approach as it adopted the new Wirral Council Plan 2025, its priorities and future strategies in which Selective Licensing had a key role to play.

Members commented on problems within their own Wards, and how the scheme would be a useful tool in tackling rogue landlords who took advantage of a lack of available housing.

Officers were thanked for their hard work in evidence gathering for the scheme.

Resolved - That:

(1)  the draft proposal for Selective Licensing be approved in the following six areas of the borough based on the robust evidence base:

(2)  the Selective Licensing designation for these six areas would commence on 1^st July 2020 until 30^th June 2025 be agreed.

(3)  the exclusion of Mariners Park from the proposed Selective Licensing Scheme be agreed.