Decision details

11.1

The city of Sheffield has 242,624 households of which 60,000 are privately rented properties. Improving the living conditions in private rented properties is a priority for our city. This report acknowledges resolutions made at the special meeting of the Council 14 December 2022:

·       Adopting Selective Licensing schemes throughout the city, noting that issues in private sector housing have a considerable impact on social housing with badly maintained neighbourhoods leading to even greater pressure on council housing repairs, and believing that the city’s neighbourhoods are being let down by rogue private landlords.

And that previously on 26 July 2022 the issue of regulation of private landlords was raised at the North East LAC resulting in a referral to the Housing Policy Committee:

·       It was mentioned that the North East Community Plan had little mention of how private landlords had a devastating effect on the community. It was added that Selective Licensing was also a total failure. Therefore, what strategic actions does the LAC intend to take.

The Service Manager for Private Housing Standards introduced the report which was for noting, it provided a detailed update on the performance of the live Selective Licensing scheme in the London Road, Abbeydale Road & Chesterfield Road (LAC) designated area. In addition, it sets out the challenges we face and the responsibilities of the Private Housing Standards team in respect of regulation of private sector housing of all tenures. And, to provide an update on the work that Private Housing Standards deliver across the city including the powers and legislation available to the service to ensure properties in the private rented sector are safe and well managed.

11.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy Committee:-

1.     Notes the London Road, Abbeydale Road & Chesterfield Road (LAC) Selective Licensing Project Highlight Report for the period 1 November 2018 to 1 February 2023.

2.     Notes progress made, highlight any issues of concern or future priorities in respect of Selective Licensing

3.     Notes that the London Road, Abbeydale Road & Chesterfield Road (LAC) Selective Licensing Final Report will be presented to the committee in December 2023

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

Notes the London Road, Abbeydale Road & Chesterfield Road (LAC) Selective Licensing Project Highlight Report for the period 1 November 2018 to 1 February 2023. To note progress made, highlight any issues of concern or future priorities in respect of Selective Licensing To receive a London Road, Abbeydale Road & Chesterfield Road (LAC) Selective Licensing Final Report in December 2023 To set out the challenges facing the Private Housing Standards team in responding to the challenges of the city-wide condition in private sector housing in Sheffield.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.4.1

None.