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:

 


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