Agenda item

In April 2014 the then Executive approved the introduction of an Additional Licensing scheme for the whole borough and deferred a decision on a proposal for a Selective Licensing scheme pending further consultation on the possible addition of Dudden Hill and Mapesbury wards to the area to be covered by the scheme.  Following completion of this exercise, this report seeks approval for the introduction of a Selective Licensing scheme in the three wards of Wembley Central, Harlesden and Willesden Green.

(i)         that the evidence and the responses to consultation be noted and the scheme as proposed be introduced;

(ii)        that that the legal requirements for introducing Selective Licensing as set out in paragraphs 11.1 to 11.8 of the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth be agreed as having been met with regard to the three wards of Harlesden, Wembley Central and Willesden Green;

(iii)       that subject to (i) and (ii) above, approval be given to the designation of an Selective Licensing area to cover the three wards of Harlesden, Wembley Central and Willesden Green, as delineated and edged red on the map at Appendix 3 of the report, to take effect from 1 January 2015 and to last for five years from that date, in line with the timing of the Additional Licensing scheme approved by the April Executive;

(iv)       that the council begin to accept applications for Selective Licensing from 1 November 2014, in anticipation of the scheme coming into effect on 1 January 2015;

(v)        that authority to issue the required statutory notifications in relation to the Selective Licensing Scheme designation be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth;

(vi)       that the fees for Selective Licensing be set at £350 for the five-year licensing period;

(vii)      that, subject to further consultation, authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth to agree the basis for and level of any discounts to be applied to these fees.

(viii)     that it be noted that the Selective Licensing scheme would be kept under review annually.  Any significant changes, including the withdrawal of a licensing designation, will be subject to further consultation and a decision by Cabinet.

Councillor McLennan (Lead Member, Regeneration and Housing) reminded the Cabinet that in April 2014 the Executive approved the introduction of an Additional Licensing scheme for the whole borough and deferred a decision on a proposal for a Selective Licensing scheme pending further consultation on the possible addition of Dudden Hill and Mapesbury wards to the area to be covered by the scheme. Following completion of this exercise, the report from the Strategic Director Regeneration and Growth sought approval for the introduction of a Selective Licensing scheme in the three wards of Wembley Central, Harlesden and Willesden Green.

Councillor McLennan drew attention to the results of consultation undertaken from 20 May to 18 July 2014 which indicated that concerns in Dudden Hill and Mapesbury wards did not sufficiently meet the test for inclusion under the legislation. The council would therefore proceed with the three wards and the matter would be annually reviewed. The Strategic Director undertook to circulate the definition of the type of properties that would be affected.

Members welcomed the introduction of the scheme aimed to reduce anti-social behaviour related to private renting and improve standards and conditions for private tenants, working with landlords. They looked forward to the scheme’s expansion across the borough and suggested the Strategic Director monitor progress in other boroughs. The Chair (Councillor Butt, Leader of the Council) reminded the meeting that the aim was to protect tenants and to encourage the provision of accommodation that was fit for purpose. Councillor Mashari assured that good landlords would not be adversely affected by the proposals.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the evidence and the responses to consultation be noted and the scheme as proposed be introduced;

(ii)        that that the legal requirements for introducing Selective Licensing as set out in paragraphs 11.1 to 11.8 of the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth be agreed as having been met with regard to the three wards of Harlesden, Wembley Central and Willesden Green;

(iii)       that subject to (i) and (ii) above, approval be given to the designation of an Selective Licensing area to cover the three wards of Harlesden, Wembley Central and Willesden Green, as delineated and edged red on the map at Appendix 3 of the report, to take effect from 1 January 2015 and to last for five years from that date, in line with the timing of the Additional Licensing scheme approved by the April Executive;

(iv)       that the council begin to accept applications for Selective Licensing from 1 November 2014, in anticipation of the scheme coming into effect on 1 January 2015;

(v)        that authority to issue the required statutory notifications in relation to the Selective Licensing Scheme designation be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth;

(vi)       that the fees for Selective Licensing be set at £350 for the five-year licensing period;

(vii)      that, subject to further consultation, authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth to agree the basis for and level of any discounts to be applied to these fees.

(viii)     that it be noted that the Selective Licensing scheme would be kept under review annually. Any significant changes, including the withdrawal of a licensing designation, would be subject to further consultation and a decision by Cabinet.