Issue - meetings

Decision:

That the Executive note the recommendations arising from the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny (Services) Committee held on 22 July 2024; and note what work, and the sequence of the work, that would be needed to support those recommendations.

Other options considered and rejected by the Executive:

None

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:

None.

At its meeting on 22 July 2024, the Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee considered a paper titled ‘Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)’. The Committee resolved:

(I)      That the Executive be recommended to support further measures necessary to establish the number of HMOs in the Borough.

(II)    That the Executive ensure that for subsequent HMO reports the public are consulted on the impact and ongoing issues associated with HMOs in the Borough.

(III) That Committee members be provided with an update on what further data would be required to explore Article 4 Direction options.

The purpose of the report to the Executive was to advise what work would be needed to support the recommendations of the O&S Committee. It was proposed that recommendation 3 be the first piece of work to be undertaken and a full report would be to follow. It was expected there would be resource and financial implications for the council if an Article 4 Direction or any additional licensing was implemented. There would be full public consultation in respect of any proposals to greater regulate local housing.

The Executive noted that whilst it was believed a balance of tenure was preferable for residential communities, for a broad range of people living in Guildford an HMO was the only option in due to high house prices. However,.it was important that the council had an understanding if areas were being negatively impacted by large numbers of HMOs in certain streets and that the accommodation provided was safe.

RESOVED:

To note the recommendations arising from the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny (Services) Committee held on 22 July 2024; and note what work, and the sequence of the work, which would be needed to support those recommendations.

Reasons:

To receive the recommendations.