Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to approve two new property licensing schemes for private rented homes in Barking & Dagenham: a replacement selective licensing scheme for single-family homes and an additional House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) scheme for smaller shared homes exempt from mandatory licensing. These schemes aim to raise standards in the private rented sector and ensure safe, decent housing for all renters in the borough.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Note the Property Licensing Consultation 2024 Proposal and Evidence Report, the Property Licensing Consultation 2024 Outcome Report, the Proposed Council Response to Consultation Representations Report and the Supplementary Supporting Data for Final Proposals Report, as set out at Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4 to the report;

(ii)  Agree the licensing designations and proposal for a five-year Borough-wide Selective Licensing Scheme, as detailed in Appendix 5 to the report, and to submit the application to the Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC);

(iii)  Agree to introduce a five-year Additional Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) Scheme across all wards;

(iv)  Agree that the Borough-wide Selective Licensing Scheme shall be cited as the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Designations for Areas for Selective Licensing 2024;

(v)  Agree that the Additional Licensing of HMO’s Scheme shall be cited as the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Designation of an Area for Additional Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation 2024;

(vi)  Agree the licence fee structure as set out at Appendix 7 to the report and delegate authority to the Operational Director, Enforcement and Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, to periodically review the fee structure and determine any change for the duration of the Selective and Additional HMO licensing schemes;

(vii)  Agree the proposed licence conditions that shall accompany any granted Selective Licence in Designations 1-3, as set out in Appendix 5 to the report.

(viii)  Agree the proposed licence conditions that shall accompany any granted Additional HMO Licence, as set out in Appendix 6 to the report; and

(ix)  Delegate authority to the Operational Director, Enforcement and Regulatory Services, to:

a)  agree the final application requesting confirmation of the Selective Licensing designation from DLUHC;

b)  agree minor changes to the proposed implementation and delivery of the schemes, including their general administration and any changes to licence fees and conditions where necessary, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety; and

c)  ensure that all statutory notifications are carried out in the prescribed manner for the licensing designations.