Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: August 28, 2025

Purpose: Local housing authorities are empowered under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004 to introduce selective licensing in all or parts of their area to tackle problems in the private rented sector. All privately rented homes in an area subject to a selective licensing designation must be licensed with the local housing authority. A wide range of licence conditions relating to safety and management standards are attached to all selective licences.   The latest housing condition survey and feasibility study provide robust evidence for considering selective licensing designations in Margate and Ramsgate that would affect approximately 12,625 privately rented homes. The implementation of two simultaneous five-year designations would be a significant undertaking as the council would need to follow strict and complex prescribed legislative processes.   A budget of £190,000 is required to support the preparation and potential implementation of the proposed designations.

Content: Cabinet agreed the following:   1.  The appointment of specialist consultants to prepare consultation proposals for one or more new selective licensing designations in the district;   2.  To consider a further report, prior to the public consultation, to approve the draft proposals and the public consultation exercise.

Reasons for the decision: Implementing two simultaneous selective licensing designations would be a rigorous and challenging exercise. The Private Sector Housing team does not have sufficient resources or the expertise required to implement a large discretionary licensing scheme alone. The £190,000 budget will fund specialist consultants and barrister oversight, as well as covering associated administrative costs. The funding will allow the council to fully develop and consider proposals that - if eventually implemented - would have a positive impact on the health and well-being of the district.

Alternative options considered: Delivering the project in-house was not considered to be viable owing to a lack of resources within the Private Sector Housing team and expertise in planning, preparing and implementing a larger scheme.   Continuing with business as usual - without considering making selective licensing designations - was not considered an appropriate option because the council would miss a potential opportunity to proactively improve housing conditions and management in areas suffering from a higher prevalence of poor housing conditions and deprivation, thereby missing an opportunity to improve health outcomes and well-being.