DECISION

1.    To note the results of the consultation undertaken in relation to the proposed Additional Licensing Scheme as summarised in the report.

2.    To agree to designate all wards in the Borough as subject to Additional Licensing under section 56(1) of the Housing Act 2004 in relation to smaller multiple-occupied premises occupied by three or more persons in two or more households where some or all the facilities are shared. Such designation to take effect from 1^st April 2019 and to last for five years, however, excluding  areas that are  currently  subject to a Selective Licensing Scheme.

3.    To agree the fee structure for the Additional Licensing Scheme as set out in Appendix Two to the report whereas the application fee will be apportioned for administrative and enforcement costs. For all Housing Licensing fees an additional cost for administration is being introduced when the applicant takes this option.

4.    To agree the Additional Licensing Scheme licence conditions, fit and proper person protocol and amenity standards as detailed in Appendix Five.The amenity standards will also apply to the existing Mandatory licensed Houses in Multi-occupied and Selective Licensing Scheme from the 1^st January 2019 and to the Additional Licensing Scheme from 1^st April 2019.

5.    To delegate to the Corporate Director of Place, authority to issue the required statutory notifications in relation to the commencement of the Additional Licensing Scheme designation.

6.    To agree that no further exemptions to the scheme should be considered in addition to the statutory exemptions.

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

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

[Note – Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman left the room for the duration of the discussion on this item.]

Councillor Sirajul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing, introduced the report. He highlighted that it built on the work of the selective licensing scheme and the private renters’ charter. He welcomed the proposals as strengthening protection for private renters.

Councillor Andrew Wood, Leader of the Conservative Group broadly welcomed the approach but cautioned against charges being set too high.

The Mayor welcomed the report and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the results of the consultation undertaken in relation to the proposed Additional Licensing Scheme as summarised in the report.

2.    To agree to designate all wards in the Borough as subject to Additional Licensing under section 56(1) of the Housing Act 2004 in relation to smaller multiple-occupied premises occupied by three or more persons in two or more households where some or all the facilities are shared. Such designation to take effect from 1^st April 2019 and to last for five years, however, excluding  areas that are  currently  subject to a Selective Licensing Scheme.

3.    To agree the fee structure for the Additional Licensing Scheme as set out in Appendix Two to the report whereas the application fee will be apportioned for administrative and enforcement costs. For all Housing Licensing fees an additional cost for administration is being introduced when the applicant takes this option.

4.    To agree the Additional Licensing Scheme licence conditions, fit and proper person protocol and amenity standards as detailed in Appendix Five.The amenity standards will also apply to the existing Mandatory licensed Houses in Multi-occupied and Selective Licensing Scheme from the 1^st January 2019 and to the Additional Licensing Scheme from 1^st April 2019.

5.    To delegate to the Corporate Director of Place, authority to issue the required statutory notifications in relation to the commencement of the Additional Licensing Scheme designation.

6.    To agree that no further exemptions to the scheme should be considered in addition to the statutory exemptions.