This week, the Lancaster City Council held two key meetings: the Planning Regulatory Committee on Monday 24 June 2024, and the Licensing Committee on Thursday 27 June 2024.

Licensing Committee

The Licensing Committee met to discuss changes to the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy regarding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and to approve an updated Pavement Licence. Both proposals were approved by the Committee and will be presented to the full Council for final approval.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

The Council is required to have a Statement of Licensing Policy under the terms of the Housing Act 2004¹. HMOs are properties occupied by three or more unrelated people who share facilities such as a bathroom or kitchen.

The main change proposed is the introduction of a new accreditation scheme for landlords of HMOs in Lancaster. This voluntary scheme would see landlords who meet certain criteria receive accreditation from the Council. The scheme is designed to improve the standard of HMOs and make it easier for landlords to comply with licensing requirements.

The proposed scheme would be based on a points-based system, with points awarded for things like the condition of the property, the management arrangements in place, and the landlord's track record.

Landlords who achieve accreditation would benefit from a streamlined licensing process and access to training and advice. While there was general support for the scheme, some concerns were raised about the potential cost to landlords and the possibility of these costs being passed on to tenants.

I am concerned that the cost of the scheme will be passed on to tenants, many of whom are already struggling to afford to live in the city.

In response, it was clarified that the Council could offer financial assistance to landlords to help meet the costs of the scheme. The Committee voted to approve the proposed changes to the Statement of Licensing Policy.

Pavement Licence

The Committee also reviewed a proposed update to the Council's Pavement Licence. Introduced in 2020, the Pavement Licence allows businesses to place tables and chairs on the pavement outside their premises, providing additional outdoor seating for customers.

The update aims to address issues that have arisen since the licence's introduction. Key changes include a new fee structure, clearer guidance on the siting of furniture, and measures to ensure pavements remain accessible for all.

The proposed update to the licence includes a number of changes, including a new fee structure, clearer guidance on the siting of furniture, and measures to ensure that pavements remain accessible for all.

The Committee expressed general support for the proposed update and voted to approve the updated Pavement Licence for use by the Council.

Planning Regulatory Committee

The Planning Regulatory Committee met on Monday 24 June 2024, but no transcript or video was provided for this meeting. As such, we are unable to provide details on the discussions or decisions made.

This week's Licensing Committee decisions highlight the Council's ongoing efforts to improve housing standards and support local businesses. The proposed accreditation scheme for HMO landlords aims to ensure better living conditions for tenants, while the updated Pavement Licence seeks to balance business needs with public accessibility.