Here is a summary of the items scheduled for discussion at the South Kesteven Council meeting on Monday 13 October 2025. The meeting is scheduled to include a discussion of a notice of motion regarding the housing of asylum seekers in private rented accommodation, and the creation of a voluntary register of landlords. There will also be an opportunity for a public open forum.

Notice of Motion: Private Rented Accommodation and Asylum Seekers

Councillor Gareth Knight has submitted a notice of motion concerning the housing of asylum seekers in private rented accommodation. The motion acknowledges ongoing public concern about the housing of asylum seekers by the Labour government .

The notice of motion states that the council believes in transparency for the sake of community cohesion and in supporting residents in private sector rental accommodation who fear eviction. It also states that landlords should be supported in removing tenants who break their rental agreements.

Councillor Gareth Knight's motion proposes that the council resolves to:

1. Immediately introduce a voluntary register of all privately rented accommodation in South Kesteven, including landlords and managing agents. This register would also include a voluntary declaration as to whether the property is being used for a government contract, or if Section 21 notices¹ have been served in the last 12 months.
2. Ensure housing officers receive full support in the fast and full introduction of the mandatory register as prescribed in the Renters Rights Bill.
3. Conduct a capacity review of the Private Sector Housing team to ensure they are adequately resourced to give proactive support to ensure residents in private sector rental properties have safe and high quality accommodation.

The motion refers to the Renters (Reform) Bill², which is scheduled to receive Royal Assent in July 2025, with implementation scheduled between October 2025 and January 2026. The Bill seeks to abolish Section 21 no fault eviction notices. The motion also notes fears from charities and tenants that they are being used to free up accommodation for government contractors to use for asylum seekers before the Renters Rights Bill abolishes Section 21 notices .

The motion also notes that a wide range of councils have established mandatory registration for private sector landlords, primarily as a means of addressing concerns about slum landlords and substandard housing.

Public Open Forum

The agenda for the meeting of South Kesteven Council on Monday 13 October 2025 includes a public open forum, which is scheduled to last for a maximum of 30 minutes.