Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 19, 2024

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: That Cabinet a)    Noted and considers the ‘Report on the findings of the Consultation on the Designation of an Additional HMO Licensing Scheme in Northampton’ (Appendix A) Page 98 b)    Agreed that having considered the ‘Report on the findings of the Consultation on the Designation of an Additional HMO Licensing Scheme in Northampton’, that an Additional HMO Licensing Scheme is required for a period of five years; and c)     Agreed to designate, with effect from 24 February 2025, for a period of five years, a selected area of West Northamptonshire (identified in the map and list of streets contained in Appendix D of this report) as being subject to Additional HMO Licensing under section 56(1)(a) of the Housing Act 2004 for the following types of HMO:        i.          Any HMO that contains three or four occupiers who form two or more households; and       ii.          All self-contained flats that are Houses in Multiple Occupation and contain three or four occupiers who form two or more households but, where the HMO is a section 257 House in Multiple Occupation, this Additional HMO licensing designation will only apply to those section 257 HMOs that are mainly or wholly tenanted, including those with residential landlords.   REASONS RESOLVED: 1.     To support the delivery of the Council’s related strategies including the Corporate Plan and Housing Strategy and following priorities: ·       Improved life chances – ensuring safe and secure accommodation for all, ·       Thriving villages and towns – safe communities with less anti-social behaviour, and raised standards of privately rented homes ·       Improving the quality, standard and safety or homes and housing services (Housing Strategy 2022-2025 – Theme 2). 2.     To accord with legislation, particularly the Housing Act 2004.     ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: ·       OPTION 2: Approve the proposed designation, but delay its implementation. Cabinet can decide to approve the proposed designation of an Additional HMO licensing scheme but delay its implementation. ·       OPTION 3: Do not approve the proposed designation. Cabinet can decide not to approve the proposed designation. ·       OPTION 4: Approve a varied designation. Cabinet can decide to vary the proposed designation to cover a different geographical area than the one that is recommended in this report and/or change the definition of the types of HMO that will be subject to the proposed Additional HMO licensing scheme.