Purpose

This report seeks approval of a new selective licensing proposal for the central area of blackpool, covering the eight key wards of bloomfield, brunswick, claremont, talbot, tyldesley, warbreck, waterloo and victoria. Selective licensing requires that, other than very limited exceptions, all privately rented properties are required to be licensed.  Selective licensing schemes are designed to improve the management of privately rented homes.

Executive resolved on 6 november 2023 to approve the designation of a selective licensing scheme for the eight wards as set out in the report including any minor amendments proposed to the scheme as a result of public consultation, with effect from at least 3 months after the published decision date in accordance with the regulations, and subject to secretary of state confirmation.

Further work has since been undertaken including a new 10 week public consultation, a summary of the consultation responses are attached to this report as appendix a.

Decision

The Cabinet Member agreed the recommendations as outlined above namely:

1. To approve the designation of a Selective Licensing scheme for the eight wards as set out in the Executive Report including the minor amendments proposed to the scheme as a result of public consultation, with effect from at least 3 months after the published decision date in accordance with the regulations, and subject to Secretary of State confirmation.

1. To approve minor amendments to the Licence Conditions as a result of consultation responses:

Licence Condition 18: Fire Safety Compliance

Three responses suggested this condition should not apply to single dwelling houses and is already covered under national fire regulations. As a result it is agreed to reword this condition to read, ‘The House complies with current British Fire Regulation and is aware of the current version of the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (“LACORS”) Fire Safety Guidance LACORs which should be used for reference’.

Licence Condition 19: Fire Risk Assessment

Two responses suggested that existing legal requirements and proposed licensing conditions in respect to condition of property, gas and electrical safety and smoke and CO alarm provision already provide a necessary level of protection. As a result it is agreed that this licence condition is removed.

1. To authorise the Head of Housing to submit the Selective Licensing scheme for this area to the Secretary of State for confirmation.