Agenda item

Councillor Trevor Young submitted the following question to the meeting: -

1)      Question to Cllr Sheila Bibb, Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee, from Councillor Trevor Young

“Could the Chairman of Prosperous Communities Committee please explain why after nearly two years since the implementation of the Selective Licensing Scheme for the Gainsborough SW Ward there are still over 70 private rented properties unlicensed and nearly 100 licences still be processed?

Does the Chairman agree that the scheme has also failed in its objective to reduce anti-social behaviour? 

You will recall I have also raised the issues of drugs in the Ward in the past and I believe that this continues to be an issue which the Scheme has failed to address.”

The Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee, Councillor Mrs Sheila Bibb, responded as follows: -

“I would like to thank Cllr Young for this question and assure him that a full report on Selective Licensing is scheduled to be presented to the Prosperous Communities Committee in October at which time members will have an opportunity to discuss the progress made by the scheme. Council should note that nearly 500 properties are licensed and alongside this a number of successful prosecutions have taken place to address landlords who have found to be failing in their responsibilities. Officers continue to focus their efforts on resolving the outstanding issues in this area particularly with regard to those properties which are still not compliant. We should not lose sight of the fact that the scheme is in place for 5 years.

With regard to the comments concerning the availability of drugs in these properties, I share this concern and in order to combat it the key is for specific intelligence – the precise address, dates and times as well as names if possible. It is only with such information and actual evidence that successful action can be taken.  I therefore urge that anyone who has definite knowledge about such activities report it to the police as a matter of urgency. All reports which come to West Lindsey are handed over to be dealt with by the proper authority.”

Having heard the response, Councillor Young requested and received permission to pose a supplementary question. He stated the scheme was nothing but abureaucratic scheme, which had failed in a number of ways.  He was of the view that the scheme had lost all credibility, Anti-social behaviour (ASB) had increased and properties were been used as drug farms despite beING reported. He questioned when this ASB would be dealt.

The Chairman was of the view the information was a statement as opposed to a question and therefore the meeting proceeded to the next question which had been submitted.

Councillor Chris Darcel submitted the following question to the meeting: -

2)      Question to Cllr Jeff Summers, Leader of the Council, from Councillor Chris Darcel 

Re Letter from a business rates payer.

“I believe all councillors received a copy of the letter concerning business rate changes from a rate payer, and it came as quite a surprise to me.

Can the Leader please inform Councillors just what is the law on business rates for charities and any recent changes in the Law that may have happened?

It is a concern to me that I now find out those negotiations with this particular rate payer have been ongoing for a year.  I would have thought any changes to the rate regulations should first be discussed by the Prosperous Communities Committee and the Full Council before businesses are approached.

For all I know the charges may be valid although the rate payer would seem to think otherwise. But we should know.

Can the Leader please give me the assurance that any changes will receive full council scrutiny before they are introduced?

Thank you”

The Leader responded as follows: -

“Thank you for your question.

The law relating to Mandatory Charitable Rate Relief requires a premise to be solely or mainly occupied for charitable purposes. There have been no recent changes in legislation but there is a requirement to review awards on a regular basis.

The regulations on Business Rates are a matter for central government and as a district we act as the billing authority and must follow the regulations.

Tax payers are also able to appeal any decisions made regarding business rates through the Valuation Tribunal.

I, along with officers, will be meeting with the ratepayers you refer to later this month.

It is my intention to bring this issue to a speedy equitable and legal close as soon as possible.”

Having heard the response, Councillor Darcel requested and received permission to pose a supplementary question.

The following supplementary question was asked: -

“Councillor Summers have you read the information on West Lindsey’s website as the way I have interpreted it is, is that West Lindsey are obliged to give 80% discretion to any Charity and there is a further discretionary element of 20%.  I therefore feel we have got this slightly wrong as the Council is obliged to give 80% discount to all charities.

The Leader responded and re-iterated his intention to bring the matter to speedy, equitable and legal resolution. A sensible approach would be adopted, rate payers had the right of appeal and he was fully aware of the guidelines and regulations.