Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: May 19, 2025

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

Content: 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.