Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Beck

Commissioner:         Kenny (in advisory role)

Recommendations:-

1.    That public consultation be undertaken on the proposed designation of parts of Thurcroft and Parkgate for Selective Licensing of private rented housing.

2.    That a further report be submitted in December 2018 on the outcome of the public consultation to consider designating Selective Licensing areas.

Consideration was given to a report submitted by the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment which sought approval to consult on the proposed designation of parts of Thurcroft and Parkgate for Selective Licensing of private rented housing.

It was reported that Selective Licensing was the licensing of privately rented housing in a specific area with the aim of improving management standards. Where the Council designates an area, landlords must obtain a licence and comply with conditions, or face legal action including prosecution and financial penalties. Members noted that Selective Licensing was an important tool for the Council and partners, to drive improvements not only in the safety of homes, but to contributory issues related to deprivation.

The data in the report identified areas of Rotherham in Thurcroft and Parkgate, which met the criteria, were within the 20% most deprived areas of England, and additionally had high levels of private rented housing. The report recommended consultation on proposals to designate parts of Thurcroft and Parkgate as Selective Licensing areas, which would help combat problems associated with housing and housing conditions within areas of deprivation, and deliver improved health and social wellbeing outcomes for those communities.

Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, which had reviewed the proposals at its meeting on 6th August 2018 and resolved that the Cabinet be advised that the recommendations be supported.

Resolved:-

1.    That public consultation be undertaken on the proposed designation of parts of Thurcroft and Parkgate for Selective Licensing of private rented housing.

2.    That a further report be submitted in December 2018 on the outcome of the public consultation to consider designating Selective Licensing areas.

Cabinet Portfolio:                 Housing

Strategic Directorate:           Regeneration and Environment

Consideration was given to a report which was due to be considered by the Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting on 6 August 2018 submitted by the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment which proposed the future designation of Selective Licensing areas in Parkgate and Thurcroft.

It was reported that Selective Licensing was the licensing of privately rented housing in a specific area with the aim of improving management standards. Where the Council designates an area, landlords must obtain a licence and comply with conditions, or face legal action including prosecution and financial penalties. Members noted that Selective Licensing was an important tool for the Council and partners, to drive improvements not only in the safety of homes, but to contributory issues related to deprivation.

The data in the report identified areas of Rotherham in Thurcroft and Parkgate, which met the criteria, were within the 20% most deprived areas of England, and additionally had high levels of private rented housing. The report recommended consultation on proposals to designate parts of Thurcroft and Parkgate as Selective Licensing areas, which would help combat problems associated with housing and housing conditions within areas of deprivation, and deliver improved health and social wellbeing outcomes for those communities.

Members sought clarification of the definition of “safe” and why Selective Licensing was an aid to the Council. In response, it was confirmed that “safe” covered adequate fire protection and escape routes, the risk of excess cold from poor insulation and similar examples. The Selective Licensing approach enabled the Council to identify where properties were and proactively manage them with landlords. Fundamentally, the scheme was designed to improve people’s outcomes in respect of health and wellbeing, targeting deprivation and changing the standard of properties and the economics associated with those properties.

One member indicated his understanding of the purpose of Selective Licensing to improve the internal workings and features of housing and considered that to be admirable, however he did not consider that there had been much improvement to environmental conditions surrounding housing properties in Eastwood and feedback provided to him by residents had confirmed that view. In response, the Cabinet Member for Housing suggested that it would be useful to circulate the Mid-Term Performance Report in respect of Selective Licensing, given that the authority was two and a half years in. The report set out measurable targets and detailed the progress made. It was confirmed that Selective Licensing on its own was a very specific piece of regulatory power to tackle housing conditions and could not be used for anything else. .

Members sought to understand the difference in powers through Selective Licensing as opposed to environmental health inspections. It was explained that Environmental Health officers would inspect a property where requested, however many tenants did not feel that they could invite an inspection without being victimised by their landlord. It was indicated that this had been a national concern and had been recognised by government, with a review of legislation being undertaken presently.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52