Agenda and minutes

It was proposed by Councillor Dennis, and seconded by Councillor Mayne that Councillor Prowse be elected Vice-Chairman for the reminder of the Municipal Year. There were no other nominations.

Resolved

Councillor Prowse is elected Vice Chairman for the remainder of the current Municipal Year.

Confirmation of the minutes of the meeting held on 10 September 2018.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10 September 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 25 September 2018.

The Minutes of the Strata Joint Executive Committee held on 25 September, 2018 were received and noted.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

To receive a presentation from the Housing Needs Lead Officer

This item was deferred to the next meeting on 19 November 2018.

To receive a presentation from the Housing Needs Lead Officer.

This item was deferred to the next meeting on 19 November, 2018.

To receive a report from the Private Sector Housing Team Leader, on recent changes to legislation in relation to the private rented sector and to advise members of the Council’s recently launched Property Agents Rating Scheme (PARS).

The Private Housing team Leader (PHTL) reported on recent changes in legislation in relation to the private rented sector, and advised Members on the Council’s recently launched Property Agents Rating Scheme (PARS). With reference to the report circulated with the agenda, the PHTL advised there are over 9,000 (16%) homes in the private rented sector within Teignbridge. The social housing stock of 9% is low compared to England’s 18%, so it is important to work with private landlords, letting agents and developers to increase the supply of rental accommodation.

There has been an increase in the regulation of private rented sector in recent years. The Teignbridge Housing enforcement policy (approved by members on 3^rd October 2017) introduced civil penalties as an alternative to prosecution for certain specified offences. In accordance with the policy, the Council initially works informally with a landlord to secure improvements to a property. However where a landlord is unwilling to carry out the necessary identified works, a formal approach is taken with the serving of an appropriate notice.

Legislation changes have recently been introduced for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and energy efficiency standards. The Housing Act 2004 introduced licensing of HMOs that were 3 or more storeys and occupied by 5 or more persons forming at least 2 separate households, with some sharing of facilities. From October 2018 the number of storeys is removed so that smaller properties used as HMOs will require a license.

In relation to energy efficiency, from April 2018, The Energy Efficiency (Private rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 has made it unlawful to let a residential property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘F’ or ‘G’. This will only initially apply to new tenancies but from April 2020 it will apply to all tenancies even when there has been no changes in tenancy arrangements. However there are exemptions that can be registered.

In September 2018, the Council launched the Property Agent Rating Scheme (PARS), this scheme is a means of ensuring that all letting agents and property managers comply with letting related legislation. The Council was working with neighbouring Council’s to extend this scheme.

In response to questions from Councillors the PHTL advised that the changes to HMO legislation may reduce the available accommodation for single people or couples who can only afford house share accommodation, and the health and safety accommodation assessment involves a 29 hazard check.

Resolved

The report and actions being taken to improve housing conditions in the private rented sector in Teignbridge is noted.

To consider the report from Business Improvement and Development.

The Committee received and noted the performance monitoring Q1 data circulated with the agenda.

The Committee noted the Executive forward plan circulated with the agenda.

To identify any areas of work for future meetings of the Committee.

The Committee received the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme circulated with the agenda, and noted updates to the programme.