Issue - decisions

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters has approved the consultation of residents and stakeholders on the proposals to introduce a selective property licensing scheme and that the consultation seeks agreement on the preferred option recommended by officers. The Cabinet Member has also approved that the consultation seeks agreement of the draft proposed licence conditions, scheme objectives and proposed fee structure.

Reasons for Decision

As part of the Fairer Westminster Delivery Plan 23/24, the Council committed to explore whether Selective Licensing for landlords is appropriate to improve standards in the private rented sector. Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004 (the Act) sets out the framework for licensing private rented properties in a local housing authority area. Under section 80 of the Act a local housing authority can designate the whole or any part or parts of its area as subject to selective licensing. Where a selective licensing designation is made, all properties in the private rented sector which are let or occupied under a licence, are required to be licensed by the local housing authority. This decision allows the Council to proceed to consultation on this scheme.