Issue - meetings
Private Sector Licensing [Additional and Selective Licensing Schemes]
Meeting: 21/10/2025 - Cabinet (Item 6)
6 Private Sector Licensing - [Additional and Selective Licensing Schemes] 
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Additional documents:
Minutes:
Background:
The report sought approval to formally commence consultation for the recommended Additional Licensing Scheme in the nominated wards of Chatham Central and Brompton, Fort Pitt, Gillingham North, Gillingham South and Luton and Watling and Selective Licensing Schemes in the recommended wards of Chatham Central and Brompton, Fort Pitt, Gillingham North, Gillingham South, Luton, Strood North and Frindsbury and Watling.
The report also requested the Cabinet to review the consultation outcomes and make a formal decision whether to approve a new discretionary licensing scheme to be effective from Summer 2026.
The report explained that the Housing Act 2004 gave local authorities powers to tackle poor property conditions in the private rented sector. The Act also introduced different types of landlord licensing schemes, with mandatory licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Additional Licensing allowed local authorities to introduce licensing for a wider range of HMOs. Selective Licensing allowed local authorities to implement licensing of all private rented properties, in order to address issues such as antisocial behaviour (ASB), poor housing quality and deprivation.
A Diversity Impact Assessment was attached at Appendix D to the report. An Exempt Appendix C set out estimated staffing costs.
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Decision number:
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Decision:
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144/2025 |
The Cabinet approved Option 3, as set out in the report, for the introduction of an Additional and Selective Licensing Scheme in the wards set out in Appendix B to the report, for consultation.
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145/2025
146/2025 |
The Cabinet instructed officers to commission the statutory consultation requirements to implement a new licensing scheme, in addition to the mandatory licensing scheme, as prescribed by the Housing Act 2004.
The Cabinet agreed that officers provide a further report at the April 2026 Cabinet meeting with a view to making a decision on whether or not to proceed with an Additional & Selective Licensing Scheme in Medway (in part or parts of the local authority area).
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Reasons:
To ensure that Cabinet has considered all options and consultation findings before deciding on whether or not to proceed with a new five-year discretionary Licensing Scheme/s.