Agenda item

The Housing and Environmental Enforcement Manager introduced a report providing Members with an annual update on the Selective Licensing scheme. He reiterated that the Selective Licensing scheme in the Gainsborough South West Ward was approved at Prosperous Communities Committee in March 2016 and came into force in July 2016 for a five year period. It had been agreed for Members to receive annual updates in regards to the progress of the scheme, the main areas of work undertaken and to provide the timescales and objectives for future phases.

Members enquired about a reference to the Tenant Passport scheme and it was explained that this had not proven as successful as it could have been because the levels of consent needed from tenants did not necessarily provide the detailed information requested by landlords. It was agreed that whilst the scheme could prove beneficial for landlords and tenants alike, it was acknowledged that there were limitations as to how effectively it could be implemented in view of the disparity between information requested and levels of consent required. The Housing and Environmental Enforcement Manager explained there were ongoing discussions with landlords as to how the scheme could be amended to better suit all parties and Members would be kept informed of any progress with this.

There was discussion around the communication between landlords and the council and it was agreed that there had been difficulties in the early days of the scheme because of confusion as to what was required and the purpose of the scheme. The Housing and Environmental Enforcement Manager explained that there were regular meetings with landlords and a forum had been set up in conjunction with Homesafe, all of which provided the chance for any questions or concerns to be raised and continued the positive communications across all involved. It was agreed for the presentation from the recent meeting with landlords to be shared with Members.

A Member of Committee enquired how the enforcement of the scheme was funded and how the additional revenue from the scheme was to be used. It was explained that the licence fee could only be used for the administration of the scheme and enforcement was included in the usual enforcement budgets. As there had been more licence applications than had originally been expected, the additional funds would be used to extend the scheme.

There was an enquiry about whether there had been positive improvements with regards to drug use in the area. It was explained that the scheme made it easier to identify specific problems with tenants or landlords and that it also gave the council the right to ask landlords to deal with specific issues. It was highlighted that landlords were not expected to deal with drug use problems but the council would offer advice and work with the landlord and the police to help tackle the associated problems of anti-social behaviour. Landlords understood the expectations on them, the council’s ability to get landlords to act was enhanced and the police continued to work in the area to tackle drug related problems. The Housing and Environmental Enforcement Manager also stated that members of the public were more likely to report their concerns as they could see there was action being taken. It was emphasised that the aim was to work with and support landlords, the scheme was not designed to penalise anyone.

There was round the table support from Committee Members and congratulations offered to the team for the work undertaken so far. It was queried whether there was an issue with staff turnover because of difficulties within the post although it was confirmed that as the scheme was time limited, any associated officer post would be on a short term basis and such positions generally saw a higher turnover as officers sought permanent employment.

With final congratulations and thanks to all it was

            RESOLVED that

a)    The success of the scheme to date and the positive impact within the South West Ward area be noted; and

b)    Members note that, in line with legislation, the income derived from the scheme will continue to fund the administration of the scheme for a further 2 year period, until December 2020; and

c)    A further update be provided to Members in 12 months’ time.