Agenda item - Rent Smart Brighton and Hove

Report of Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture (copy attached).

(1)            That the Chief Executive be authorised to sign the Rent Smart Partnership Agreement (Appendix 1) on behalf of Brighton & Hove City Council.

39.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director Economy Environment & Culture which explained that Rent Smart was a new citywide partnership of organisations committed to supporting tenants in the private rented sector.  It was a community led self-help group that sought to work collaboratively with the council as a formal partner.  Members had requested a report on the Council becoming a partner of Rent Smart. The report was presented by the Housing Strategy Manager.

39.2    Members were informed that the Rent Smart Partnership would be formally launched on 22 November 2016.

39.3    Councillor Mears stated that she considered that Councillor Hill had carried out an excellent piece of work and she would support the recommendations. 

39.4    Councillor Hill stated that she hoped everyone was in agreement that the Rent Smart Partnership would help to address issues being experienced by tenants renting in the private rented sector.  

39.5    Councillor Gibson considered it a brilliant initiative and a great example of achieving a great deal with limited resources.

39.6    The Chair concurred and stated that it showed that council as an enabler rather than a provider of services.

39.7    RESOLVED:-

(1)            That the Chief Executive be authorised to sign the Rent Smart Partnership Agreement (Appendix 1) on behalf of Brighton & Hove City Council.