Decision details

The Head of Service for Public Protection and Regulatory Services presented the report to Cabinet on the effectiveness of the 2019 Additional Licensing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and propose the Council declare a New Additional Licensing Scheme for HMOs from April 2024, in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act 2004.

The Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities took the opportunity to thank officers for the comprehensive report; and noted the successful implementation of two recommendations made during the last review to review the administration scheme and to speed up the application process; both of which, work to create a more efficient licensing system.

The Cabinet Member was confident that over the years, the additional licensing scheme in addition to the mandatory licensing scheme had worked proactively to regulate Houses in Multiple Occupation in Rhondda Cynon Taf and had been vital in ensuring ensure residents are safe and to minimise the impact of shared houses. The Cabinet Member also noted that the Schemes allow the Council to work with landlords and to use action when necessary for those who are non-compliant.

The Cabinet Member thanked the Community Services Scrutiny Committee for its involvement and agreed with its recommendation to include an additional fire safety condition to be in line with the Building Safety Act 2022.

The Deputy Leader echoed the Cabinet Member’s comments and was supportive of the proposal. The Deputy Leader welcomed further communication with the University, to ensure the wellbeing of the young people using HMO’s for educational purposes.  

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the findings of the Evaluation of the 2019 Additional HMO Licensing Scheme in Rhondda Cynon Taf and the feedback from the Community Services Scrutiny Committee held on 21^st November 2023;

2.    To approve the declaration of a New Additional Licensing Scheme for HMOs in Rhondda Cynon Taf, to come into force when the current scheme ends on 31st March 2024 and instruct officers to make the necessary arrangements in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act 2004;

3.    To approve the continued inclusion of all types of HMO within the scope of the new 2024 Scheme;

4.    To approve the standard licensing conditions to be placed on all HMO licences granted by the Council under both the Mandatory Licensing Scheme, and the new Additional Licensing Scheme from April 2024 (in addition to any bespoke conditions relevant to individual licences); and

5.    To approve the proposed fee structure as detailed in Appendix 4 of the report.