Purpose

To recommend to Council the updated Housing
Standards Licensing Policy for adoption.

Content

Resolved

That (i)   the proposed
changes to the Housing Standards Licensing Policy be adopted, and
to take effect from 01 February 2026;

       
(ii)  the updated licence conditions for
both mandatory and additional licensing schemes be adopted, and to
take effect from 01 February 2026;

       
(iii)  delegated authority be given to
the Strategic Director – Place and Digital for minor changes
to the policy and the conditions going forward;

        (iv) the
forthcoming review of the Housing Standards Enforcement Policy to
reflect the protected characteristics defined in the Equalities
Act; and

       
(v)  a letter be sent to the Ministry of
Housing, Communities and Local Government by the Portfolio Holder
to ask them to update the legislation to reflect all protected
characteristics.