Issue - decisions

Selective Licensing of Private Rented Accommodation in Designated Areas of the Borough

13/11/2014 - Selective Licensing of Private Rented Accommodation in Designated Areas of the Borough

Councillor George Davies introduced a report by the Strategic Director – Regeneration and Environment that sought the Cabinet’s approval for the commencement of a ten week consultation period during December 2014 on the proposal to implement a Selective Licensing Scheme for private landlords in four designated areas in the Borough known as:

 

·  Area 1 – Birkenhead South

·  Area 2 – Egerton North

·  Area 3 – Seacombe Library

·  Area 4 – Egremont Promenade South

 

The consultation exercise would be based on the rationale and evidence detailed within the Draft Business Case and the associated appendices, all of which were attached to the report.  A full Consultation Plan had been set out in Business Case attached to the report at Appendix 3.  It detailed the consultation methods and activity which were planned to be undertaken with a range of stakeholders including but not exclusively tenants, residents, businesses, landlord organisations, specifically those living or operating within the proposed Selective Licensing areas. 

 

The Cabinet noted that the Housing Act 2004 provided local authorities with a range of tools with a view to encouraging private sector landlords to improve management, amenity and safety standards of their properties and to tackle anti-social behaviour, which in turn would help to improve living standards and improve areas of low demand.  The Cabinet was informed that Part 3 Section 80 contained provisions for local authorities to license the private rented sector in some circumstances.  Selective Licensing was one form of licensing that could be used.  The Cabinet noted that the criteria for introducing selective licensing schemes were: -

 

·  That the area is, or is likely to become, an area of low-housing demand and that making the designation will, when combined with other measures taken in the area by the local authority, contribute to the improvement of the social economic conditions in the area; and/or

 

·  That the area is experiencing a significant and persistent problem with anti-social behaviour and some or all of the private landlords with properties in the area are failing to take appropriate action to combat the problem and that making the designation will, when combined with other measures taken by the local authority, lead to a reduction in or elimination of the problem. 

 

A designation could be in force for up to five years and in making the designation, all private rented properties within the designated boundary area would require a licence to be able to let their property.

 

RESOLVED: That:

 

(1)   the Cabinet approves the draft proposal for implementing Selective Licensing in the 4 designated areas in the Borough based on the robust evidence base;

 

(2)   the Cabinet approves the consultation plan and draft Business Case as set out in the appendices attached to the report, as the basis for public consultation on Selective Licensing; and

 

(3)  the Cabinet gives designated authority to the Strategic Director – Regeneration and Environment and the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Housing and Engagement to undertake minor amendments to the proposal document should further evidence be made available which should be included in the consultation.