Agenda item

A report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care will be circulated as soon as possible.  (Key decision – reference number 3886)

(Report No.230)

(8.25 – 8.35pm)

(Minute No.4 above also referred)

Following on from the consideration of the deputations and the detailed discussions arising, Members then considered the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care (No.230) recommending the introduction of borough wide additional licensing of houses in multiple occupation, which do not fall within the existing mandatory licensing scheme and selective licensing of other private rented properties.

NOTED

1.               That the percentages detailed in paragraph 4.14 were incorrect and should read as follows:

·       83% of individuals who live in Enfield strongly or tend to agree with the proposal, alongside a majority of Enfield businesses (61%) and local organisations (86%)

·       In contrast, only 12% of letting or managing agents, and 15% of private landlords supported the general proposals.

It was noted that the correct figures, as shown above were detailed in Appendix 5 of the report (page 78 of the agenda pack referred).

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED that the following alternative options had been considered prior to consultation stage, and re-assessed following consultation:

a.     To implement an additional licensing scheme only.

b.     To implement a selective licensing scheme only.

c.     Do nothing further and continue with existing schemes and approaches.

d.     Focus only on “hotspot” areas (i.e. small designations of the schemes).

Full details of the alternative options considered were set out in section 5 of the report.

DECISION: The Cabinet

(Minute No.4 above also referred and detailed the deputations received by the Cabinet).

1.       Noted the evidence and consultation findings that had been collected as part of developing the rationale for the additional and selective licensing schemes including improvements made as a direct result of feedback gathered through the consultation undertaken with stakeholders.

2.       Agreed to approve the introduction of the additional and selective schemes to come into force on 1 April 2015 for a five year period, and to designate:

a.     A selective licensing area of the district of the London Borough of Enfield as delineated and edged red on the map at Appendix 1(a) of the report.

b.     An additional licensing area of the district of the London Borough of Enfield as delineated and edged red on the map at Appendix 1(b) of the report.

3.       Delegated authority to the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and/or the Director of Regeneration and Environment and/or the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services, as appropriate, to agree changes to the proposed implementation where necessary and ensure that all statutory notifications were carried out in the prescribed manner for those designations.

4.       Reviewed and approved the licence conditions and fee structures that would be applied to all private rented sector properties in the borough as a result of these designations (appendices 2 and 3 of the report referred).

5.       Considered and agreed the proposed (annual) review arrangements, when members would receive an update on progress and impact (as detailed in paragraph 4.32 of the report).

6.       Agreed that a reference group of landlords be established to enable feedback to the Council to be received on processes associated with administering the scheme. Steps would also be taken to ensure efficient and effective operational processes which minimise potential bureaucratic burdens for landlords at all times. These would be key principles underpinning the design of the scheme.

7.       Agreed that private sector landlords would be invited to join the Council’s anti-social behaviour Action Group (ASBAG), to be part of the multi-agency partnership, as appropriate, to tackle anti-social behaviour associated with private sector rental homes.

Reason: NOTED that the detailed reasons for the recommendations set out above were outlined in full in section 6 of the report.

(Key decision – reference number 3886)