To debate the following motion which has been submitted with advance notice, in accordance with the constitution.
Private Sector Housing
“This council notes government figures showing that 1/5 of nearly five million private sector tenants are not satisfied with their accommodation.
Following previous years of poor performance; this council renews its commitment to driving up standards in the local private rented sector.
As part of this, Cherwell District Council will:
1. Improve engagement with private sector tenants by establishing a private tenants forum or association.
2. Make it easier for private renters to raise concerns with dedicated, easy-to-find space on the council website.
3. Raise awareness of the council's role in private sector housing enforcement with a dedicated campaign in the local press and on social media.
4. Develop an accreditation and license scheme for private sector landlords to identify and reward good practice.”
Proposer: Councillor Barry Richards
Seconder: Councillor Sean Woodcock
Decision:
Resolved
(1) That the following motion, as amended, be adopted:
Private Sector Housing
“This Council notes government figures showing that 1/5 of nearly five million private sector tenants are not satisfied with their accommodation. To stay ahead of this trend, this council reconfirms its commitment to high standards in the local private rental market.
The Council notes that significant improvements to the website are nearing completion which will make it easier for tenants to understand what we can do and how to contact us.
The Council believes that an improved website, periodic communications and press releases (especially after successful prosecutions) are likely to be the best ways to increase awareness.
The Council instructs the Executive to periodically review the need for any further selective licensing and/or accreditation schemes, and to consider setting up a private resident’s forum.”
Minutes:
It was moved by Councillor Richards and seconded by Councillor Woodcock, that the following motion be adopted:
Private Sector Housing
“This council notes government figures showing that 1/5 of nearly five million private sector tenants are not satisfied with their accommodation.
Following previous years of poor performance; this council renews its commitment to driving up standards in the local private rented sector.
As part of this, Cherwell District Council will:
1. Improve engagement with private sector tenants by establishing a private tenants forum or association.
2. Make it easier for private renters to raise concerns with dedicated, easy-to-find space on the council website.
3. Raise awareness of the council's role in private sector housing enforcement with a dedicated campaign in the local press and on social media.
4. Develop an accreditation and license scheme for private sector landlords to identify and reward good practice.”
Councillor Wood proposed the following amendments to the motion (deletions crossed and additions in italics), which was duly seconded by Councillor Donaldson:
“This Council notes government figures showing that 1/5 of nearly five million private sector tenants are not satisfied with their accommodation. To stay ahead of this trend, this council reconfirms its commitment to high standards in the local private rental market.
Following previous years of poor performance; this council
renews its commitment to driving up standards in the local private
rented sector.
As part of this, Cherwell District Council will:
1.
Improve engagement with private sector tenants by
establishing a private tenants forum or
association.
2.
Make it easier for private renters to raise
concerns with dedicated, easy-to-find space on the council
website.
3.
Raise awareness of the council's role in private
sector housing enforcement with a dedicated campaign in the local
press and on social media.
4.
Develop an accreditation and license scheme for
private sector landlords to identify and reward good
practice.”
The Council notes that significant improvements to the website are nearing completion which will make it easier for tenants to understand what we can do and how to contact us.
The Council believes that an improved website, periodic communications and press releases (especially after successful prosecutions) are likely to be the best ways to increase awareness.
The Council instructs the Executive to periodically review the need for any further selective licensing and/or accreditation schemes, and to consider setting up a private resident’s forum.”
On being put to the vote, the amendment was approved. The motion as amended was debated and on being put to the vote, was supported.
Resolved
(1) That the following motion, as amended, be adopted:
Private Sector Housing
“This Council notes government figures showing that 1/5 of nearly five million private sector tenants are not satisfied with their accommodation. To stay ahead of this trend, this council reconfirms its commitment to high standards in the local private rental market.
The Council notes that significant improvements to the website are nearing completion which will make it easier for tenants to understand what we can do and how to contact us.
The Council believes that an improved website, periodic communications and press releases (especially after successful prosecutions) are likely to be the best ways to increase awareness.
The Council instructs the Executive to periodically review the need for any further selective licensing and/or accreditation schemes, and to consider setting up a private resident’s forum.”