Purpose

Cabinet will consider the designation of 15
wards as a selective licensing area under Part 3 of the Housing Act
2004.

Decision

Cabinet approved the following recommendations:

·      
Consider and have regard to the evidence supporting
the implementation of a Selective Licensing scheme as detailed in
the Scheme Implementation Evidence Report (Appendix 1)

·      
Consider the outcome of the consultation process
detailed in the Consultation Report (Appendix 2), the
representations received and the Council’s consideration and
response to these representations (Appendix 3).

·      
Subject to 2.1 and 2.2 above and using its powers
under section 80 of the Housing Act 2004, to designate a new
Selective Licensing area (to be known as Selective Licensing
Designation 1) in the eight ward areas of Abbey Road, Church
Street, Harrow Road, Knightsbridge and Belgravia, Little Venice,
Maida Vale, Queen’s Park and Westbourne as delineated and
edged blue on the map in the draft designation in Appendix 6 for a
five-year period.

·      
Subject to 2.1 and 2.2 above and using its powers
under section 80 of the Housing Act 2004, to designate a new
Selective Licensing area (to be known as Selective Licensing
Designation 2) in the seven ward areas of Bayswater, Hyde Park,
Lancaster Gate, Marylebone, Pimlico North, Regent’s Park and
West End as delineated and edged red on the map in the draft
designation in Appendix 6 for a five-year period.

·      
Agree to the licensing scheme objectives as set out
in Appendix 7.

·      
Agree the proposed selective licence conditions set
out in Appendix 8.

·      
Agree the proposed property licensing fee structure
detailed in Appendix 9.

·      
Subject to Cabinet agreeing 2.3 and 2.4, delegate
the authority to the Director of Public Protection and Licensing to
issue the required statutory notifications in relation to the
designations and, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead Member
for Regeneration and Renters, to amend the licensing fee and make
such other changes to the schemes as is necessary for the effective
administration of the schemes.

·      
Consider and have regard to the result of the
Equalities Impact Assessment in Appendix 11.
 
Reasons for
Decision: The introduction of Selective
Licensing will complement the existing Houses in Multiple
Occupation (HMO) scheme by targeting specific areas where
additional oversight in the private rented sector is needed. This
approach will allow the Council to focus resources on areas with
higher incidences of poor property conditions and ASB. Selective
licensing will provide a framework for landlords to improve their
management practices, leading to better outcomes for tenants and
the community. By leveraging the strengths of both schemes, the
council will be able to ensure that all rented properties in the
borough are safe, well-maintained, and supportive of a positive
living environment for tenants.