Resolved

1.         That the report of the Scrutiny Working Group on the Private Rented Sector, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report (CAB 033/101), be noted; and

2.         That, subject to (a) to (c) below, the response to the recommendations from the Working Group as set out in Appendix 2 to the report (CAB 033/101) be agreed, noting that continuing consideration was to be given to the emerging policy changes and public sector funding decisions of the new coalition government that have been made since the agreement of these recommendations by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in April 2010.

(a)       Response to Recommendation 4 – revision to include a reciprocal mechanism for referral between the Council and its partners.

(b)       Response to Recommendation 7 – revision to include use of East End Life to publicise services available to local residents for the reporting of rogue landlords.

(c)        Response to Recommendation 8 – revision to indicate that the Council’s existing award ceremonies would be developed to encompass a “landlord of the year” element.

Action by:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE (K. COLLINS)

Acting Joint Service Head Scrutiny & Equalities, Chief Executive's (H. Ali)

Scrutiny Policy Manager, Scrutiny & Equalities, Chief Executive's (A. Hoque)

Scrutiny Policy Officer (M. Ahad)

Councillor Francis, Lead Member Housing Heritage and Planning, in introducing the report:

·                    Formally thanked Councillor Heslop for his leading contribution to the scrutiny review, welcomed the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Team and the very positive proposals arising from the review. The positive nature of the recommendations was reflected in the embracing response of the Development and Renewal Directorate.

·                    Commented that there were properties on housing estates which had been bought under “Right To Buy” legislation which were now badly managed by poorly regulated Private Sector landlords or managing agents. The recommendations of the scrutiny review working group went a long way to identifying how more decisive action could be taken to deal with this problem. The Council, and he as Lead Member, were intending to take this work forward, and specifically the aspect relating to properties with multiple occupancy, which had been highlighted by cases in Wapping and Whitechapel Wards.

·                    Commented also that the Private Rented Sector was not all bad, with some landlords taking their responsibilities seriously and endeavouring not to charge excessive rents.

A discussion followed, during which the proposals in the report were broadly welcomed, and which focused on the following points:-

·                    The Chair, in referring to Appendix 2 “Response to Scrutiny Review Working Group Report on Private Rented Sector” - Recommendation 4, commented that it was recommended that the Communities Localities and Culture Directorate developed a partnership strategy with the NHS Tower Hamlets, London Fire Brigade and Voluntary Sector to tackle poor housing/ health conditions in the borough; including a mechanism for referral of cases by the Council to these partners for a range of support services to improve quality of life. In this context, consideration that it was important for these partners to be able to refer matters to the Council, for example where properties were in poor condition, and that the mechanism for referral between the Council and its partners be reciprocal. The Chair therefore proposed for the consideration of members of the Cabinet that the recommendations set out in the report be amended accordingly.

·                    The Chair, in referring to Appendix 2 “Response to Scrutiny Review Working Group Report on Private Rented Sector” - Recommendation 8, commented that the development of a “landlord of the year” annual awards ceremony was recommended but considered that in the current climate of financial austerity it would be more appropriate for the Council’s existing award ceremonies to be developed to encompass a “landlord of the year” element. The Chair therefore proposed for the consideration of members of the Cabinet that the recommendations set out in the report be amended accordingly.

·                    Shelter, the housing and homeless charity, was formally congratulated and thanked for its effective campaign regarding rogue landlords. In this context, clarification/ assurance was sought and given regarding the Council’s enforcement policy, number of prosecutions and associated publicity, in respect of rogue landlords (health and safety and overcrowding matters particularly). Officers were subsequently requested to re- examine whether the Authority was doing all it could in respect of the prosecution of rogue landlords. The Chair also summarised that positive points had been made during the discussion regarding publicising services available to local residents for the reporting of rogue landlords, and using East End Life for this. He considered it would therefore be appropriate to revise Appendix 2 “Response to Scrutiny Review Working Group Report on Private Rented Sector” – Recommendation 7 to reflect this suggestion within the recommended communications strategy. The Chair therefore proposed for the consideration of members of the Cabinet that the recommendations set out in the report be amended accordingly.

·                    Commented that the former Government Minister had been due to take forward legislation that would have robustly equipped local authorities to take action against rogue landlords, but this would not reach the statute book under the Coalition Government. Commented also that the Scrutiny Review had heard evidence from staff at Queen Mary University, which operated an effective scheme of managing the landlords of its students, and requested that officers examine this scheme and its operation with a view to learning/ implementing good practice.

The Chair Moved for the consideration of members of the Cabinet, that:

·                    In relation to recommendation 2.1 contained in the report, that the report of the Scrutiny Working Group on the Private Rented Sector, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report be noted.

·                    Taking account of the amendments he had proposed during the deliberation of this item, that recommendation 2.2 as set out in the report be agreed.

and it was:-

Resolved

1.         That the report of the Scrutiny Working Group on the Private Rented Sector, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report (CAB 033/101), be noted; and

2.         That, subject to (a) to (c) below, the response to the recommendations from the Working Group as set out in Appendix 2 to the report (CAB 033/101) be agreed, noting that continuing consideration was to be given to the emerging policy changes and public sector funding decisions of the new coalition government that have been made since the agreement of these recommendations by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in April 2010.

(a)       Response to Recommendation 4 – revision to include a reciprocal mechanism for referral between the Council and its partners.

(b)       Response to Recommendation 7 – revision to include use of East End Life to publicise services available to local residents for the reporting of rogue landlords.

(c)        Response to Recommendation 8 – revision to indicate that the Council’s existing award ceremonies would be developed to encompass a “landlord of the year” element.