Decision - Private Sector Housing: Discretionary licensing evidence

RESOLVED: 2.1 That Housing Committee notes the findings of the Private Sector Housing: Housing Stock Condition & Stressors Report that evidences the need for a citywide approach to discretionary licensing (Appendix 1). 2.2 That Housing Committee approves Option 3 (see 3.31), which will be subject to 12 weeks of consultation (to commence once a revised fee structure is agreed by Members). This is: (1) Citywide Additional HMO Licensing covering properties which have two or more storeys, and three or more tenants are living there as more than one household. (2) Selective Licensing on all non-HMO private rented sector homes in four wards where the evidence demonstrates a clear link between poor property conditions, deprivation and private rented homes. These wards (1) are: Kemptown, Moulsecoomb & Bevendean, Queen's Park and Whitehawk & Marina. With a further option in 13 wards in the city on the grounds of poor property conditions. These wards are: Brunswick & Adelaide, Central Hove, Goldsmid, Hanover & Elm Grove, Hollingdean & Fiveways, Preston Park, Regency, Rottingdean & West Saltdean, Round Hill, South Portslade, West Hill & North Laine, Westbourne & Poets Corner and Wish. 2.3 That Housing Committee notes that the Budget Review Group has provided £100,000 to fund non-recoverable costs (such as consultation) needed in developing a scheme and that budget council has allocated a further £20,000. 2.4 That Housing Committee requests the findings of the consultation and appropriate recommendations be brought back to a future committee for Member decision. (1) New Brighton & Hove wards from May 2023

The report reviews Brighton & Hove’s private rented sector and houses in multiple occupation, using housing stock data and modelling to assess tenure, hazards, complaints, energy efficiency and antisocial behaviour. It finds that the private rented sector has grown substantially and that thousands of rented properties and HMOs may contain serious hazards, providing an evidence base for future housing policy and service interventions.