Decision details

Cabinet received a report following a referral from Councillor Peter Hiller, the Cabinet Member for Growth, Planning, Housing and Economic Development.

The purpose of the report was to outline detailed proposals to Cabinet for a Selective Licensing Scheme for the private rented housing sector within Peterborough following public consultation.

Cabinet considered the report and RESOLVED to approve the introduction of a Selective Licensing Scheme for the private rented accommodation sector within Peterborough, subject to Secretary of State approval, in the areas described in Appendix 4 to the report, the conditions of which were as set out in Appendices 1, 6 and 7 to the report.

In accordance with the Housing Act 2004, proposals for the scheme required submission to the Secretary of State for approval as the areas proposed for selective licensing covered more than 20% of the local private rented housing stock below which a local decision could be made. The proposals for the scheme as outlined within the report equated to 37.9% of the local stock.

The multiplicity of issues faced by geographic areas of the City were complex and deep rooted. To do nothing would lead to further decline. As a result the status quo was not something that the Council considered appropriate.

The introduction of a voluntary scheme had been considered but it was not felt appropriate for Peterborough.

None.

·      Department of Communities and Local Government “Approval Steps for additional and selective licensing designations in England” - February 2010

·      Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004

·      Department of Communities and Local Government ‘Selective licensing in the private rented sector: A Guide for local authorities’ - March 2015

·      Department for Communities and Local Government ‘ Dealing with Rogue Landlords: A Guide for Local Authorities’ – August 2012

·      The Selective Licensing of Houses (Additional Conditions)(England) Order 2015