Agenda item

Private Sector Licensing (Additional & Selective Licensing Schemes)

Minutes:

Background:

 

The report sought approval to formally commence the proposed Additional Licensing Scheme in the nominated wards (Chatham Central & Brompton, Fort Pitt, Gillingham North, Gillingham South, Luton and Watling) and Selective Licensing Scheme in the recommended wards (Chatham Central & Brompton, Fort Pitt, Gillingham North, Gillingham South, Luton, Strood North & Frindsbury and Watling). This was following the statutory consultation process as outlined in Section 56 (3) (a) for additional licensing and Section 80 (9) of the Housing Act 2004. The expected commencement period was November 2026 following approval. Section 82 (4) required that the date of the selective licensing scheme had to be no earlier than three months after the date on which the designation was confirmed.

 

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken and was attached at Appendix G to the report.

Decision

number: 

Decision:

 

The Cabinet noted the outcome of the consultation process detailed in the Consultation Report (June 2026), which provided evidence of the representations received from stakeholders, landlords, letting agents/management and residents, as set out in Appendix A to the report.

 

The Cabinet noted the Council’s responses to comments and representations received during the public consultation, as set out in Appendix B to the report.

104/2026

The Cabinet, under s.80 Housing Act 2004, agreed to the designation of a Selective Licensing Scheme in the nominated wards (Chartham Central & Brompton, Fort Pitt, Gillingham North, Gillingham South, Luton, Strood North & Frindsbury and Watling).

105/2026

The Cabinet, under s.56 Housing Act 2004 agreed to the designation of an Additional Licensing Scheme in the nominated wards (Chatham Central & Brompton, Fort Pitt, Gillingham North, Gillingham North, Luton and Watling).

106/2026

The Cabinetagreed to delegate authority to the Director for Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, to make changes to the proposed administration, implementation and enforcement of the schemes where necessary and to ensure that all statutory notifications were carried out in the prescribed manner for the designations and to take all necessary steps to provide for the operational delivery of the licensing schemes.

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.

Supporting documents: