A verbal update by the Chairman of the review group.
Minutes:
Councillor Paul Goodale Chairman of the review group provided a brief update on the activity of the group to date. Following agreement to convene this review a through scope was undertaken to ensure full representation is received and evidence gathered to allow the group to draw their conclusions.
At this time, two very successful evidence gathering meetings have taken place and further meetings are scheduled in both July and August.
The first meeting allowed the group to receive information in respect of selective licensing. The group heard from Andy Gray from West Lindsey District Council, who provided a very in-depth account of the process and outcomes of their experience in using selective licensing. The group also heard from Tom Amblin- Lightowler, who before joining Boston Borough Council worked for Stoke on Trent Council who too, had undertaken the use of selective licensing. Both Andy and Tom highlighted the pros and cons and variations available for using the licensing, which was extremely informative in providing us with two valuable pieces of evidence.
There are significant positives in using selective licensing, but the group did recognise that it would require support from across the Council to facilitate it to the level required. If anyone is interested we have two very interesting pieces of work about the selective licensing.
The second meeting aimed to gain a perspective from those ‘on the ground’ in Boston, as to the current situation within the town. Representation was received from the Police and the Fire Service, both of whom were very supportive of the review and both of whom, provided detailed information.
Furthermore representation was received from the Council’s own officers’ including planning, crime and anti-social behaviour, waste and littering and noise and environmental issues all of whom confirmed the legislation currently available to them and advised of the ongoing and increasing problems they continued to deal with. All representatives had been asked initially what outcomes they would like to see, and, whilst being appreciative of the fact that selective licensing was not the single answer, there was support of it from the officers, if not across the town as a whole, but in the recognised areas, where it would enable the Council’s own officers to access the premises. Further potential outcomes were discussed with the officers, one that was collectively agreed was the implementation of a central data base within the council, for private rented property, which would allow the officers to check on a property when an issues arose requiring their attention. At this time there is no such facility and it would provide any of them with advanced knowledge of any other ongoing issues at the property before attending. The suggestion would be considered in final determination. Both meetings had proved very productive.
A consultation questionnaire was sent to all the schools across the borough in respect of any impact observed by teachers of poor quality housing on the students and although we did not expect any response, we did get some. Moving forward the group would be speaking with social services, other support services and representatives from some of the community groups and migrant communities. Moving forward the group hoped to meet with lettering agents and Landlords forum and others to be firmed up.
Concluding, Councillor Goodale thanked the Portfolio Holder Councillor Martin Griggs for his support of the review and welcomed any further suggestion of consultation from members.
Committee noted the update.