Decision - Private Rented Sector Discretionary Licensing Scheme: The evidence and next steps
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Decision details
Private Rented Sector Discretionary Licensing Scheme: The evidence and next steps
Decision Maker: Housing & New Homes Committee
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Purpose:
On 13 January 2016 Housing & New Homes
Committee delegated authority to the Acting Executive Director for
Environment, Development & Housing to explore the necessity or
otherwise of the introduction of further discretionary licensing in
all or part of the local authority area.
Here, ‘discretionary licensing’ means any licensing of
residential property under the Housing Act 2004 (the Act) that goes
beyond the national mandatory HMO licensing requirements contained
in Part 2 of the Act.
This report looks at the impact of the existing licensing schemes
in the city and presents the findings of research commissioned to
examine if the evidence supports or rejects, the need to implement
a discretionary licensing scheme across the whole, or part(s), of
the private rented sector in Brighton and Hove.
Based on the evidence a number of options are presented in the
report for Member consideration and approval is being sought to
consult stakeholders on the preferred option(s).
Decision:
(1) That the findings of the Mayhew Harper Associates Ltd research that evidences the need for a citywide approach to discretionary licensing (Appendix 1) be noted.
(2) That approval be given to 12 weeks of consultation (to commence once a revised fee structure has been agreed by Members) on the preferred option for private rented sector discretionary licensing across Brighton & Hove with persons who are likely to be affected by the designation (Sections 3.36-3.44, Section 6).
(i) Citywide Additional HMO Licensing covering all properties defined as HMOs under the Housing Act 2004 that are not covered by mandatory licensing
(ii) Selective Licensing on all non-HMO private rented sector homes in the 12 worst affected wards (as currently delineated) where the evidence demonstrates a clear link between poor property conditions and anti-social behaviour with the private rented sector:
1 St. Peter's & North Laine
2 Regency
3 Moulsecoomb & Bevendean
4= Hollingdean & Stanmer
4= Queen's Park
6 Hanover & Elm Grove
7= Brunswick & Adelaide
7= East Brighton
9 South Portslade
10 Central Hove
11 Westbourne
12 Preston Park
(3) That the findings of the consultation and appropriate recommendations be brought back to a future committee for Member consideration.
Report author: Andy Staniford
Publication date: 16/11/2016
Date of decision: 16/11/2016
Decided at meeting: 16/11/2016 - Housing & New Homes Committee
Effective from: 24/11/2016
Accompanying Documents: