Issue - meetings

This report outlines the new statutory duties regarding HMOs, proposing amendments to the existing HMO Implementation policy and changes  to the fee structure to  reflect the impact  of those new duties on the service.

Resolved: That the new duties imposed on the council relating to the following, be noted;

i.             The extension of mandatory HMO licensing to smaller HMO’s

ii.            The introduction of two new conditions, imposing minimum room sizes for sleeping accommodation and waste storage conditions at HMO properties.

and;

That  option 1 be approved as follows:

To agree the altered implementation policy to include;

                                     i.        risk assessing application forms to determine the time of our visit within the 5 year period, prioritising non-compliant properties first

                                    ii.        a  refresh of our existing fees, taking into consideration the new duties placed on our teams

Reason:     The Council has a statutory duty to implement the new legislation, by adopting the new HMO policy it will continue to raise standards in the poorest performing sector. 

The Executive Member considered a report that outlined new statutory duties in relation to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO), put forward amendments to the existing HMO implementation policy and changes to the fee structure to reflect the impact of those new duties on the service.

Officers gave insight into the new statutory duties, stated that they expected around 700 new applications as a result and that this would put a significant stress on the department. The officer recommendation was to use risk assessment application forms to determine whether an HMO was compliant. It was noted that the income generated by issuing licenses prior to visitation would help fund the increased number of inspections.

The Executive Member asked for clarification on how officers intended to ensure that properties and applicants were compliant via the risk assessment form.

Officers stated that any applicant completing the risk assessment form would be confirming that the information entered was correct and if any discrepancies were noted during at a later stage, a fine of up to £30,000 would be enforceable.

Resolved: That Option 1 be approved as follows:

To agree the altered implementation policy to include;

                                     i.        risk assessing application forms to determine the time of our visit within the 5 year period, prioritising non-compliant properties first

                                    ii.        a  refresh of our existing fees, taking into consideration the new duties placed on our teams

Reason:     The Council has a statutory duty to implement the new legislation, by adopting the new HMO policy it will continue to raise standards in the poorest performing sector.