9.  Conclusion

Before a final decision can be made on whether a selective licensing designation should be made, section 81 of the Housing Act states that the council must consider how this fits with the Housing Strategy and how it will provide a co-ordinated approach to homelessness, empty properties and anti social behaviour.

These elements have been discussed throughout this document in terms of the work being carried out by the Community Safety and Enforcement Service and the Margate Task Force (sections 4 and 8).

Empty properties are being addressed through the housing intervention strategy and this strategy also addresses homelessness through the provision of more suitable accommodation. (Sections 4 and 8).

Dealing with the issues in the proposed area also forms part of the corporate plan; has been identified by the Total Place submission in February this year and is seen as a priority by all public sector services.

Homelessness issues have also been considered and under the benefits of the scheme there will be close working to ensure tenancies are stabilised as far as possible (Section 8).

This proposal has covered the main elements of the CLG Guidance ‘Approval steps for additional and selective licensing designations in England’ and the legislation and selective licensing is considered to be an appropriate course of action.

Many causes of lower level anti social behaviour in the area could be dealt with by landlords. Proper waste disposal, noise, and conduct within the property can all fall within the terms of a tenancy agreement. Despite attempts to engage with landlords there is reluctance by many to get involved and take responsibility in this way. Thanet District Council is committed to taking responsibility for enforcement against perpetrators of anti social behaviour using the powers it has available to it and will provide the support that both landlords and tenants need to tackle these problems. However, in order for Thanet District Council to be successful, it needs the commitment from the landlords and at present that commitment is not yet there.

This is evidenced throughout the document by the experience of the community safety service in engaging landlords, the fact that landlords rarely call the unit for assistance, that complaints are still being made about the quality of accommodation and notices still need to be served.

Low housing demand will also be dealt with by reducing the level of crime and anti social behaviour. There is a clear link between the reputation of an area, the levels of investment and the market value of the properties. High levels of anti social behaviour affect the reputation significantly.

These are the reasons for a selective licensing scheme. The scheme will require landlords to engage with the council and its partners and work with us to reduce the anti social behaviour and poor management as part of the wider regeneration of the area.

The council is encouraged by the level of responses received to the consultation and the clear indication that both residents and landlords agree that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Many did not agree with the selective licensing scheme in the format presented in the consultation document. This final proposal document has considered all of these representations and provides a more comprehensive explanation to support the need for a selective licensing scheme.

Next: Appendix 1 Draft Proposal used in consultation

Back: Schemes in other areas

• How to apply
• Introduction
• The Profile
• Legislative Framework
• The Proposal
• Results of the consultation
• Enforcement and delivery
• Benefits of a designation
• Schemes in other areas
• Conclusion
• Appendix 1: Draft Proposal for consultation
• Appendix 2: Map and list of streets
• Appendix 3: Formal Notice to designate
• Appendix 4: Legislative framework

E-mail:

housing.conditions
@thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577437