The Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss proposals for new private sector housing property licensing schemes, an overview of the Place Directorate's work programme, and the scrutiny report. The committee was also set to review minutes from previous Housing and Growth Scrutiny Committee meetings.

Private Sector Housing Property Licensing Consultation and Next Steps

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the Private Sector Housing Property Licensing Consultation and its next steps. This report detailed the results of a public consultation exercise regarding proposed new additional HMO and selective licensing schemes. The council had proposed designating 20 wards as areas for selective licensing and the entire borough for additional HMO licensing. The consultation ran for 12 weeks, from December 2023 to March 2024, and involved various methods including online questionnaires, telephone surveys, landlord forums, and public meetings.

The report outlined that overall, there was support for reintroducing these licensing schemes among residents, private tenants, neighbouring London boroughs, and the Greater London Authority. However, landlords, including the National Residential Landlords Association, tended to oppose the proposals, particularly concerning the level of fees and administrative requirements.

Key findings from the consultation indicated that 59% of respondents agreed with the proposal for selective licensing, with 71% of private tenants in favour, compared to 21% of landlords. For the additional HMO licensing scheme, 63% of respondents agreed, with 69% of private tenants supporting it, versus 41% of landlords.

The report also detailed the proposed fee structure, including a standard fee for selective licences (£895) and additional HMO licences (£1,200). Discounts were proposed for properties with an EPC rating of B or above, for multiple dwellings owned by the same person, and for eligible charities. The council noted that the fees were calculated to be cost-neutral, covering administrative and enforcement costs.

Regarding licence conditions, most respondents found them clear and understandable, although some suggested room for refinement. Concerns were raised about the clarity of conditions related to anti-social behaviour (ASB) and the definition of a fit and proper person. Some respondents also suggested additional conditions, such as those related to mould remediation and minimum energy efficiency standards.

The proposed scheme objectives, which included improving property conditions and management standards, reducing ASB, and engaging with landlords, received broad support, particularly from tenants and residents.

Overview of the Place Directorate and Work Programme to Take Forward Inclusive Growth

This report provided an overview of the council's Place directorate, outlining its primary responsibilities and priority areas of work related to delivering Mission Waltham Forest and fostering inclusive growth. The directorate comprises Regeneration, Planning and Delivery; Housing; and Property and Delivery departments.

Key responsibilities of the Regeneration, Planning and Delivery service include producing and implementing the borough's Local Plan, attracting private sector investment through the Invest Waltham Forest programme, and overseeing development management and building control. Recent achievements highlighted included the adoption of Local Plan Part 1, securing significant funding for regeneration projects, and the opening of the University of Portsmouth London Campus. Future priorities include the implementation of Local Plan Part 1 and the submission of Part 2, developing town centre frameworks, and growing the borough's economy.

The Housing service is responsible for managing and repairing council-owned homes, delivering new affordable homes, and providing homelessness services. Key achievements included purchasing new homes for the Refugee Housing Programme and securing funding for retrofitting council homes to improve energy efficiency. Future priorities include progressing new build and regeneration programmes, ensuring building safety compliance, and focusing on resident outcomes in the repairs service. Challenges include the supply of temporary accommodation, housing benefit pressures, and financial pressures on the Housing Revenue Account.

The Property and Delivery service manages the council's land and property portfolio, aiming to maximise its use and value. This includes delivering strategically important construction and development projects, such as new homes and community infrastructure. Recent high-profile projects included the completion of Juniper House, providing new homes and the University of Portsmouth London Campus, and the regeneration of Coronation Square. Future priorities include managing rising construction costs and exploring innovative delivery and funding models.

The Capital Portfolio Programme Management Office (PMO) is responsible for the overall risk and financial management of the council's capital programme, supporting the delivery of strategic priorities and ensuring the programme remains affordable.

The Scrutiny Report

This report invited the committee to review the Forward Plan for the ongoing municipal year and make recommendations. It included updates to the Action Trackers from previous Growth and Housing Scrutiny Committee meetings and any action responses outside of the tracker. The report also detailed key decisions falling under the scrutiny committee's remit in the upcoming Cabinet Forward Plan, such as the Walthamstow Central Development Contributions, Local Plan Part 2, and the transfer of planning powers from the London Legacy Development Corporation.

Housing Scrutiny Committee Minutes and Growth Scrutiny Committee Minutes

The committee was scheduled to review and approve the minutes from the previous Housing Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 17 April 2024 and the Growth Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 27 March 2024. These minutes would have provided a record of discussions and decisions from those earlier meetings.