Decision details

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Warriner)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Health & Housing) which advised on the benefits of introducing a Licensing scheme for Private Rented Housing in a designated area of Morecambe, and sought approval to begin a consultation on its introduction.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

The officer recommendation is to approve a consultation exercise on the development of a Licensing Scheme in an area of the West End of Morecambe. The exact boundary is defined in Appendix 4 of the report.

The private rented sector is the only housing option available to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. However, in some areas, properties in this sector suffer from poor conditions, management and low-level anti-social behaviour. The introduction of a licensing scheme offers the opportunity to promote a successful private rented sector. This, alongside other interventions already in place in the renewal areas of Morecambe will bring about further benefits for the community.

Councillor Warriner proposed, seconded by Councillor Hanson:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        That approval be given to the development of a Morecambe Licensing Scheme including the definition of a proposed designated area.

(2)        That approval be given to the commencement of a consultation exercise with all persons who are likely to be affected by the designation in accordance with the requirements of the Housing Act 2004.

(3)       That, following the consultation exercise and prior to the Morecambe Licensing Scheme being implemented, a report be brought back to Cabinet for final approval.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Health & Housing)

Reasons for making the decision:

Improvements in the private rented sector and housing renewal in the West End of Morecambe have been identified as priorities in the 2016 - 2020 Corporate Plan to support positive improvements in the health and wellbeing of residents in the district. Completion of a feasibility study is one of the success measures to the outcome of improving the health and wellbeing of our citizens.