Agenda item

(i)        Joint Report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships and the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services.

(ii)       Presentation by the Strategic Manager Housing, Regeneration and Local Services.

The Chairman introduced the Strategic Lead for Housing, Lynn Hall, Strategic Lead for Housing, Regeneration and Local Services who was in attendance to give an update as regards Private Sector Housing (for copy see file of minutes).

The Strategic Lead for Housing reminded Members that the Private Sector Landlord Team was part of the Housing Solutions service and provided or worked with: homelessness advice and prevention; worked with the Home Improvement Agency; worked with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community; Durham Key Options (DKO); regeneration and warmer homes; and Family Intervention support.

In terms of the Private Rented Sector, it was explained that around 14% of households within the County privately rented and that this represented a rise of 78% between 2001 and 2011.  It was added that this was mainly in areas of deprivation and that the private rented sector provided much needed accommodation, although there were around 4,000 long term empty properties.  The Strategic Lead for Housing noted the vast majority of private landlords were very good; however there was a minority of landlords that caused issues.  Members noted a proactive approach in terms of advice and information, such as: landlord obligations; negotiation/mediation; requisite documentation; sign posting; and support for Tenants.

In terms of empty homes, it was explained there was a matrix of properties and that the Team would look to identify properties owners and negotiate and persuade them to being a property back into use for rent or perhaps sell if appropriate.  Members noted interest free loans that could be utilised to help bring properties back into use, no longer the grant scheme previously used, but a loan.  It was added there was still a small fund in terms of “move in grants”.

The Strategic Lead for Housing reminded Members of Selective Licensing and that this was being looked at externally in terms of effectiveness.  Members also learned as regards targeted activities to look at specific issues in an area, utilising a multi-agency approach with regular walkabouts and a willingness to undertake enforcement action where necessary.

In terms of the Landlord Accreditation Scheme, Members were reminded that this was a voluntary scheme, landlords needed to sign up to a Code of Practice, and it was a prerequisite for properties to be advertised via DKO.  It was added that tenants needed to be referenced and that support was put in place where needed.  Members noted 111 landlords were accredited via the scheme, representing 2,326 properties, with 149 currently listed via DKO.  It was added that 150 such properties had been let via DKO and that ongoing inspections would take place, 436 having been carried out to date.  Members noted a renewal rate of around 48%. 

The Strategic Lead for Housing noted a press release in terms of the milestone of 100 members to the Accreditation Scheme as well as other achievements and successes: newsletters and forums; discounts from local businesses; discounts for pest control services; free training sessions and assistance in preparing documentation.

The Strategic Lead for Housing noted that challenges in the private rented sector included: limited powers in management standards and empty homes; absentee landlords; Registered Providers disposing of stock; the impacts from the Housing and Planning Act 2016 and the Reducing Homelessness Bill.  The Strategic Lead for Housing concluded by noting that a forward plan for the Private Sector Housing Team included: promotion of the service; enhancing DKO; more events; improving links to existing forums; the development of courses; tenant schemes; greater links with partner agencies; and aligning organisational priorities.

The Chairman thanked the Strategic Lead for Housing and asked Members for any questions.

Councillor H Nicholson noted an example of a Registered Provider selling off properties and the Strategic Lead for Housing explained that the Provider had approached the Homes and Communities Agency as regards permission to sell off properties.  Councillor H Nicholson noted some excellent work that had been undertake in his local area, however, the sheer number of empty properties meant that in some cases a little investment could make a property rentable or in some areas the clearing of old stock to encourage new development may be preferable.  The Strategic Lead for Housing noted that in cases with minor disrepair there often were not the powers available for DCC to intervene, adding she understood how this could be frustrating for Members and residents. 

Councillor E Adam noted the excellent work in his area carried out in connection with absentee landlords and noted information as regards the regular estate walkabouts adding that Members would have a lot of beneficial information in terms of issues, as would local residents’ associations and suggested that local members should be invited to attend the walkabouts undertaken by the Housing Solutions Team.  The Chairman reiterated that Members were a valuable source of information for Officers in terms of their Divisions.  The Strategic Lead for Housing commented that arrangements would be made for local members to receive the detail of future walkabouts for them to attend should the wish to do so.

Councillor A Patterson noted there was a cost involved in terms of joining the accreditation scheme and asked what the cost was to the authority of providing the accreditation scheme.  The Strategic Lead for Housing noted that there was effectively 1.5 staff (full time equivalent) operating the scheme and that the scheme generates income of approximately £18,000 a year for the authority.  However, some of the smaller landlords drop out of the DKO scheme as they often do not have a problem renting their property and therefore cannot see the benefits of the scheme.  Work was ongoing in terms of drafting an Action Plan for accreditation and this would be shared with Members of the Committee once it was complete.

Councillor H Nicholson asked whether the interest free loans required landlords to be accredited via our scheme to then be eligible.  The Strategic Lead for Housing noted this was the case.

The Chair suggested that the committee receive a further update on work undertaken with the private rented sector at a future meeting. 

The Chairman thanked the Strategic Lead for Housing and the Team for their hard work, with Members adding their appreciation for the work being carried out in their areas.

Resolved:   

(i)          That the report and presentation be noted.

(ii)         That the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee receive a further                    update on the work undertaken with the private rented sector at a future meeting of the Committee.