The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To agree that a consultation exercise takes place on introducing an Additional Licensing scheme for HMOs outside the current Selective Licensing area

2.    To agree that subject to consultation, the Additional Licensing Scheme will apply borough wide to HMOs of the descriptions set out in Appendix 3 to the report.

3.    To agree that the following proposals will form part of the consultation:

·         Fee Structure

·         Licence conditions

·         Amenity Standards

·         Fit and Proper Person Protocol

4.    To note that once the consultation exercise has been completed, the responses will be analysed and then a report will be submitted to the Mayor in Cabinet for a decision as to whether to adopt an Additional Licensing Scheme.

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards (D. Tolley)

Councillor Sirajul Islam, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing, introduced the report. He explained that the report proposed a consultation to amend the existing scheme. He noted that there was additional money set out to support the private renters’ charter.

Councillor Peter Golds, Leader of the Conservative Group, addressed Cabinet to welcome the report and highlight his concerns that there was a real problem with companies/individuals buying up large numbers of properties and looking to turn whole streets into multiple occupancy properties.

The Mayor welcomed the report. In addition he highlighted the need to lobby the government for more powers to tackle these issues. He noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree that a consultation exercise takes place on introducing an Additional Licensing scheme for HMOs outside the current Selective Licensing area

2.    To agree that subject to consultation, the Additional Licensing Scheme will apply borough wide to HMOs of the descriptions set out in Appendix 3 to the report.

3.    To agree that the following proposals will form part of the consultation:

·         Fee Structure

·         Licence conditions

·         Amenity Standards

·         Fit and Proper Person Protocol

4.    To note that once the consultation exercise has been completed, the responses will be analysed and then a report will be submitted to the Mayor in Cabinet for a decision as to whether to adopt an Additional Licensing Scheme.