Agenda item

(a)  That the representations received in response to the consultation on the Additional Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and Selective Licensing Schemes (as attached at Appendix 4) be considered;

(b)  That it be agreed to introduce Additional Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This will cover the whole of the borough as delineated in the map at Appendix 1a, to be cited as Slough Borough Council’s Designation for an Area for Additional Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation, No 1, 2019 and that this additional licensing designation shall come into force on 1^st July 2019;

(c)  That it be agreed to introduce a Selective Licensing Scheme, which covers the majority of Chalvey and Central wards delineated in red on the map at Appendix 1b. This is to be cited as Slough Borough Council’s Designation for an Area for Selective Licensing, No 2 2019 and that this selective licensing designation shall come into force on 1^st July 2019;

(d)  That the schemes be publicised as required by regulation before enforcement starts and deliver a comprehensive publicity campaign, which will begin after this decision;

(e)  That the mandatory license fee be brought into line with the proposed additional license fee and to introduce a per room additional fee for the larger HMOs;

(f)  That delegated authority be given to the Director of Regeneration following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance and Housing, the authority to agree minor changes to the proposed implementation and delivery, including administration, fees and conditions where necessary and ensure that all statutory notifications are carried out in the prescribed manner for the licensing designation, noting the Cabinet’s view that Part A Selective License fee being set at £200 and that implementation take place from 1^st October 2019.

(g)  That the Cabinet receive an update report in July 2020.

The Lead Member for Corporate Finance & Housing and the Housing Regulation Manager introduced a report on the Additional and Selective Licensing Schemes for private rented properties.  A full consultation had been carried out and it was proposed to introduce Additional Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation covering the whole of the borough and a Selective Licensing Scheme covering the majority of the Chalvey and Central wards.

The introduction of such a scheme had been a manifesto commitment since 2014 and detailed work had been done since to design, consult and draft the scheme proposed.  The Cabinet took into account the results of the comprehensive consultation that had taken place with residents, landlords and other stakeholders.  There had been a consensus to tackle poor housing and the environmental conditions that existed in Chalvey and Central wards.  A majority of residents supported the scheme whereas most landlords were against, although it was noted that a significant minority of responsible landlords welcomed the scheme which could raise standards in the sector.  It was noted that the proposal had been supported by statutory partners as well as several charities operating in the housing sector.

A ‘light touch’ approach would taken towards reputable landlords and the schemes would enable the Council to focus enforcement activity on non-compliant and irresponsible landlords.  The Cabinet agreed that the licensing schemes would provide a much needed effective policy framework to properly regulate the private rented sector; protect the most vulnerable tenants; and help tackle anti-social behaviour.

The proposed fees proposed in Table 1 to the report were discussed and it was noted that they had been revised following the consultation.  The fee income would be ring-fenced to fund activity to tackle poor housing and anti-social behaviour.  After discussion, the Cabinet agreed that the Part A Selective License fee be set at £200.  Lead Members requested that there be some flexibility in payment methods, potentially to stagger payments where appropriate and it was noted that this would be taken forward in the payments process for portfolio landlords that would be developed following approval.  The Cabinet wanted to work with responsible landlords and agreed that it was important to encourage them to buy in to the scheme.  To enable a smooth introduction of the scheme it was agreed that implementation take place from 1^st October 2019.

After due consideration, the Cabinet welcomed the scheme and agreed the recommendations set out in the report and appendices.  It was agreed to receive an update on how the scheme had worked a year after it had been adopted.

Resolved –

(a)  That the representations received in response to the consultation on the Additional Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and Selective Licensing Schemes (as attached at Appendix 4) be considered;

(b)  That it be agreed to introduce Additional Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This will cover the whole of the borough as delineated in the map at Appendix 1a, to be cited as Slough Borough Council’s Designation for an Area for Additional Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation, No 1, 2019 and that this additional licensing designation shall come into force on 1^st July 2019;

(c)  That it be agreed to introduce a Selective Licensing Scheme, which covers the majority of Chalvey and Central wards delineated in red on the map at Appendix 1b. This is to be cited as Slough Borough Council’s Designation for an Area for Selective Licensing, No 2 2019 and that this selective licensing designation shall come into force on 1^st July 2019;

(d)  That the schemes be publicised as required by regulation before enforcement starts and deliver a comprehensive publicity campaign, which will begin after this decision;

(e)  That the mandatory license fee be brought into line with the proposed additional license fee and to introduce a per room additional fee for the larger HMOs;

(f)  That delegated authority be given to the Director of Regeneration following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance and Housing, the authority to agree minor changes to the proposed implementation and delivery, including administration, fees and conditions where necessary and ensure that all statutory notifications are carried out in the prescribed manner for the licensing designation, noting the Cabinet’s view that Part A Selective License fee being set at £200 and that implementation take place from 1^st October 2019.

(g)  That the Cabinet receive an update report in July 2020.