Decision details

The Cabinet considered the report of the Assistant Director of Place (Economic Growth and Housing) which detailed the approach which was being taken with SERCO who operate the Government’s Asylum Seeker Programme in Sefton in relation to the Council’s Selective Private Landlord Licensing requirements.

The Chief Legal and Democratic Officer reported that the action being proposed in the report was a regulatory function, not an executive function, so the Cabinet was not being asked to take a decision on this matter other than to note the current position and that the recommendations within the report should be amended accordingly.

Decision Made:

That the contents of the report and the approach which is being taken in relation to the Council’s Selective Private Landlord Licensing requirements be noted.

Reasons for the Decision:

Selective Landlord Licensing has been in operation in Sefton since 1March 2018, and on the 2 December 2021, the Cabinet considered a report requesting authority to undertake consultation on the extension of the initiative for a further 5 years to March 2028 because of the successful outcomes from the scheme. The strict enforcement of the scheme relies on a consistent and fair approach being taken to ensure that all properties which fall within the scope of the scheme have a licence in place.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

1)       Not to pursue licensing of properties operated by SERCO which fall within the scope of the Selective Licensing scheme.

This has been rejected because it is important that the scheme is consistently enforced in line with the legislation.

2)       Not to proceed to serve the Civil Penalty Notice and to instead pursue the freeholder/owners of the properties to apply for the selective licence as an alternative.

The owners are not regarded to be the most appropriate person to hold the licence, and therefore the Council would not be complying with the legislation.