Purpose

To request approval for designation of a new
licensing scheme (covering smaller HMOs (following public
consultation).

Content

Having considered the detail and reasons set out in the report and supporting appendices, Cabinet
RESOLVED:
 
(1)      
To note the outcome of the consultation process detailed in the
Consultation Report (attached as Appendix 1to the report), the
representations received and the Council’s consideration and
response to those representations (attached as Appendix 2 to the
report).
 
(2)      
To note that the document to support undertaking the public
consultation (consultation evidence pack - attached as Appendix 3
to the report) and Housing Conditions and Stressors Report
(attached as Appendix 4 to the report) highlighted the scale of
problems relating to poorly managed HMOs in the private rented
sector, identified the objectives that the proposed additional HMO
licensing scheme would help the Council achieve and alternatives to
licensing which had been considered.
 
(3)      
Having considered and noted the matters at (1) and (2) above and
using the powers under s.56 Housing Act 2004, to agree to designate
a new Additional Licensing area of the whole of the London Borough
of Brent from 02 February 2026 or at a later date in accordance
with the statutory time required for the scheme to come into force
as delineated and edged red on the map in the draft designation
attached as Appendix 5 to the report.
 
(4)      
To authorise the Corporate Director of Resident and Housing
Services, subject to statutory notifications, to determine an
alternative start date for accepting applications for selective
licensing, if necessary.
 
(5)      
To agree to the proposed licensing scheme objectives as set out in
Appendix 6 of the report.
 
(6)      
To agree the proposed HMO licensing conditions that would accompany
any granted HMO licence as set out in Appendix 7 of the report.
 
(7)      
To agree the proposed fee structure for licence applications made
under the additional HMO licensing scheme as set out within
Appendix 8 of the report.
 
(8)      
Following on from (7) above, to agree to apply the same proposed
fee structure to mandatory HMO licenses applications noting that
for mandatory licensing, there is no statutory duty to consult on
fees.
 
(9)      
To note, in terms of the decisions made, that due regard had been
taken of the Equality Analysis as detailed within Appendix 9 of the
report.
 
(10)   
To agree to delegate authority to the Director of Housing Services
to issue the required statutory notifications in relation to the
designation and, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, to ensure
compliance in all respects with all relevant procedures and
formalities applicable to authorisation of the scheme; to keep the
proposed scheme under review during the designation lifetime and
agree any changes to the proposed implementation and delivery,
including administration, fees and conditions as necessary for the
effective administration of the scheme, and give all necessary
statutory notifications.
 
(11)   
To agree to delegate authority to the Director of Housing Services
to approve the carry forward of any surplus or deficits to the
established ring-fenced trading account as and when necessary,
subject to consultation with the Chief Finance Officer.
 
Eligible for call-in:
Yes
 
Deadline for submission of
call-in: 6pm on Monday 20 October 25