Agenda item - Response to Scrutiny Panel Report on Private Sector Housing

Extract from the proceedings of the Housing & New Homes Committee meeting held on the 11^th November 2015, together with a report of the Interim Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copies attached).

66.1         Councillor Hill introduced the report which detailed the findings of a Scrutiny Panel that looked at Private Sector Housing and the response to the Panel’s recommendations from the Housing & New Homes Committee.  She stated that there were too many properties in the private sector that fell below a decent living standard and noted that it was intended to develop a Housing Strategy Plan to find ways to tackle the problem.  She also noted that further work was to be undertaken in respect of the licensing of HMO’s and with letting agents to encourage clearer information in relation to fees etc…

66.2         The Mayor congratulated Councillor Hill on her maiden speech on behalf of the council.

66.3         Councillor Gibson welcomed the report and sated that it highlighted an important issue which affected a large number of people in the city.  He believed that the current situation in the private sector market favoured landlords and this needed to be addressed in order to ensure that tenants had some support and protection.  He noted that it was likely to require a national change but in the meantime hoped that the good landlord scheme could be extended and ethical lettings encouraged.

66.4         Councillor Wealls welcomed the report and noted that a number of elements in the Housing & Planning Bill that were due to be discussed later would help to achieve the aims set out in the report.

66.5         Councillor Miller suggested that it would be beneficial if home ownership was encouraged and taken up by more people as this would reduce the demand on the private sector and lead to more availability for private tenants.  He noted that recent Government announcements were aimed at enabling this change and hoped that this would be supported by the council.

66.6         Councillor Mears stated that as a member of the Housing & New Homes Committee she was concerned about the number of properties that were being used for student accommodation.  She hoped that discussions could be held with the universities and ways found to provide more affordable housing for residents and universities to provide their own accommodation.

66.7         Councillor Mac Cafferty stated that as the only remaining member of the Scrutiny Panel he wanted to acknowledge the work previous Councillor Wilson in helping to formulate the report.

66.8         Councillor Hill noted the comments and sated that further work was being undertaken by officers in relation to the issue of studentification and she hoped a report would be forthcoming.

66.9         The Mayor stated that the report had been referred to the council for information and therefore moved that it be noted.

66.10      RESOLVED: That the report be noted.