Agenda item - Proposed Selective Licensing Scheme for privately rented homes

Report of Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities & Housing (copy attached).

That the Housing & New Homes Committee:

(1)            Notes the results of the consultation undertaken in relation to the proposed Selective Licensing Scheme as summarised in this report and detailed in the appendices 1 and 2.

(2)            Designates the following wards as subject to selective licensing under section 80 of the Housing Act 2004 

·       St Peters & North Laine

·       Regency

·       Moulsecoomb & Bevendean

·       Hollingdean & Stanmer

·       Queens Park

·       Hanover & Elm Grove

·       Brunswick & Adelaide

·       East Brighton

·       South Portslade

·       Central Hove

·       Westbourne

·       Preston Park

(3)            Authorises the Executive Director Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing to submit an application for confirmation of the designation to the Secretary of State.

(4)            Agrees the fee structure for a Selective Licensing Scheme as set out in paragraph 3.36.

(5)            Approve the Selective Licensing Scheme conditions attached at Appendix 3.

(6)            That officers will explore appropriate concessions on licence fees for participating landlords, should such a good landlord scheme be launched in the city.

(7)             

50.1   The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities & Housing which outlined the proposals for a Selective Licensing Scheme for the private rented housing sector within Brighton & Hove following public consultation. If the Selective Licensing Scheme was approved, it was proposed that permission was then sought from the Secretary of State to proceed. If approval was given, statutory notification requirements would need to be followed. The report also set out the proposed fee structure and conditions for approval to apply to a Selective Licensing Scheme. The report was presented by the Head of Housing Strategy, Property & Investment and the Housing Strategy & Enabling Manager. 

50.2   The Chair stressed that this report referred to all other rented homes that were not HMOs.

50.3   Councillor Mears referred to the wards listed in paragraph 2.2 of the report.  She was aware that there were already problems that were affecting the boundaries of Rottingdean. In response to a question about the temporary accommodation budget, it was explained that there were leasing arrangements for temporary accommodation. This was not subject to licensing. Rents in temporary accommodation were decided by landlords.

50.4   Councillor Gibson had submitted the following amendment which was seconded by Councillor Druitt as follows:

          “To add the recommendations as below, as shown in bold italics

          2.6 That officers will explore appropriate concessions on licence fees for participating landlords, should such a good landlord scheme be launched in the city.”

50.5   Councillor Gibson stressed that there had been extensive consultation and the proposals had the potential to make a huge impact. He paid tribute to Councillor Hill for the work carried out. The proposal could improve the lives of 27,000 people in the city. He appreciated the concerns expressed by landlords. His amendment was the same as in the report at item 49.

50.6   Councillor Druitt supported the amendment in the light of costs being passed onto tenants. The amendment would lead to good landlords paying a lower fee.

50.7   Councillor Hill stated that the scheme was ambitious. If it went ahead it would transform how the council managed the private rented sector in the city. The council continued to gain evidence to support the scheme.

50.8   The Committee voted on the Green amendment as set out in paragraph 50.4 above. The amendment was agreed unanimously. The Committee then voted on the substantive recommendations. Recommendations 2.1 to 2.5 were unanimously agreed as set out in the report along with the Green amendment 2.6. 

50.9   RESOLVED:-

That the Housing & New Homes Committee:

(1)            Notes the results of the consultation undertaken in relation to the proposed Selective Licensing Scheme as summarised in this report and detailed in the appendices 1 and 2.

(2)            Designates the following wards as subject to selective licensing under section 80 of the Housing Act 2004 

·       St Peters & North Laine

·       Regency

·       Moulsecoomb & Bevendean

·       Hollingdean & Stanmer

·       Queens Park

·       Hanover & Elm Grove

·       Brunswick & Adelaide

·       East Brighton

·       South Portslade

·       Central Hove

·       Westbourne

·       Preston Park

(3)            Authorises the Executive Director Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing to submit an application for confirmation of the designation to the Secretary of State.

(4)            Agrees the fee structure for a Selective Licensing Scheme as set out in paragraph 3.36.

(5)            Approve the Selective Licensing Scheme conditions attached at Appendix 3.

(6)            That officers will explore appropriate concessions on licence fees for participating landlords, should such a good landlord scheme be launched in the city.