Agenda and draft minutes

There Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Ibrahim, Cllr Williamson and Cllr Moores.

There was no Public Questions received

The Minutes of the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board held on 31^st January 2024 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 31^st January 2024 be approved as a correct record.

The Selective Licensing of Private Landlords presentation delivered by Cabinet Member for Housing and Licensing Elaine Taylor, Director of Environment Nasir Dad, and Head of Public Protection Neil Crabtree.

The purpose of the report and presentation was to provide an update on the progress of phase 1 of the Selective Licensing Scheme, which had commenced in specific neighbourhoods of the Borough from the 4^th July 2022. In addition, the report also outlined the statutory consultation timescales and process prior to consideration of Phase 2 of the scheme.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Licensing stated that this report which looked at the selective licensing of private landlords was important for the standard of housing in Oldham, with this being a local solution to a national crisis.

Members heard that a secondary aim of the report was to find a middle ground where the Oldham Council could better support landlords and tenants alike, as there continues to be a surge in privately rented properties.

Members were informed that the figures provided in the presentation were from the Office of National Statistics.

Members were advised that the 5-year scheme would be looking at selective licensing of private landlords. At the time of the meeting the Council had received 667 applications, 474 intentions to licence had been issued, and 264 condition audits had been actioned.

Members were asked to note that Oldham Council had met the low housing demand criteria, with below 20% of the borough’s private privately rented stock.

Members noted the benefits of Selective Licensing of Private Landlords, noting that the scheme allowed for inspection of properties, how a landlord manages conditions in properties, how tenants behave in said properties and being able to identify the most vulnerable who do not report issues for various reasons.

The Committee recognised that Landlords would pay for the scheme and services which were on offer, and that this could be counted as a cost for tax purposes.

Members noted the ambition of Selective Licensing of Private Landlords scheme, with approximately 1800 properties within the scheme since it started on 4^th July 2022, with the scheme expected to last for five years.

In addition, it was noted by Members that there was a need to consult with the Greater Manchester Mayor as well as GMCA who had provided £75k which was intended to fund data analysis and the consultation work necessary to explore phase 2 option in other locations within Oldham.

Members heard that Phase 2 preparation work was currently underway with a timeline being provided from 1^st  April 2024 until 30^th September 2024. The consultants were looking at the following: the data for other phase 2 locations and produce a report based upon the findings, to design and implement a consultation process, to produce a final report for submission to Cabinet. The Committee were advised that if this were to be approved by Cabinet then implementation of Phase 2 would take place from March 2025.

Members asked questions concerning Housing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Chair reported that there was no Key Decesion Document releated to this meeting.

To consider any rule 13 or 14 decisions since the previous meeting.

The Chair noted that there was no Rule 13 and 14 releating to this meeting.