URL: https://democracy.thurrock.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=959

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Hurrell introduced the report.   “This report proposes the introduction of a Selective Licensing Scheme for private rented properties in Thurrock. The purpose of the scheme is straightforward but vitally important: to improve housing conditions, reduce antisocial behaviour, and ensure landlords are held accountable for the management of their properties. For too long, this authority has not had an up-to-date register of privately rented homes. That has made it difficult to identify rogue landlords and harder still to ensure that every resident in Thurrock has access to a safe, secure, and decent home. This scheme changes that. The evidence is clear. Using data from the 2021 Census, Council Tax records, and the Private Housing Stock Condition Survey, we know there are over 70,000 properties in Thurrock. Of these, around 16,700 are in the private rented sector – nearly a quarter of all homes in the borough. Our analysis shows that more than 90% of the private housing stock, would be eligible for registration under the Selective Licensing Scheme. The administration of the scheme will be managed by a new PRS Licensing and Enforcement Team, funded entirely through the licence fees. This ensures the scheme is cost-neutral in line with national regulations, with no additional burden placed on the Council’s core budget. Over the life of the scheme, we expect it to generate an operating budget of more than £12 million, fully covering its costs and allowing the Council to carry out the necessary enforcement. It is also important to note that, based on the Government’s criteria, 16 of our 20 wards met the threshold for inclusion in the scheme. This reflects the scale of the challenges we face in the private rented sector and underlines the need for firm and proactive action. This scheme will give us the tools to raise housing standards, clamp down on irresponsible landlords, and ensure that the private rented sector plays its proper part in providing safe, secure, and well-managed homes for Thurrock residents.”   Councillor Watson commented that this initiative has been a long time coming and she welcomes it as it gives the council the ability to enforce against rogue landlords and check properties. Councillor L Watson queried when it will apply to all 20 wards in Thurrock.   Councillor Hurrell responded that the 4 wards that it currently does not apply to will be looked at when they meet the eligibility criteria.   Councillor Hooper welcomed the report and stated that it is a proactive response to ensure residents are getting good quality housing. Too often residents don’t want to speak up and this gives power back to the tenants. People should not be frightened to raise the fact that they have damp and mould in their homes.   Councillor Hartstean welcomed the report and stated that she was surprised there wasn’t oversight of this previously.   RESOLVED:   1.1          Cabinet took into account the consultation programme undertaken with the aim of ensuring that reasonable steps to consult with persons who are likely to be affected by the designation required by Section 80 [9] of the Housing Act, and in accordance with Government guidance. The consultation undertaken is detailed in Section 4.   1.2      Cabinet took into account the outcome of the public consultation as outlined in Appendix 1 (Consultation Findings), the Council’s considerations and formal responses as detailed in Appendix 2, and the summary of positive and negative feedback received during the consultation process, provided in Appendix 3.   1.3      Cabinet agreed that the Selective Licensing proposal Evidence Base in Appendix 4 met the legal requirement for introducing Selective Licensing designations on the grounds of poor property conditions, anti-social behaviour and high levels of deprivation.   1.4      Cabinet approved the designation of 16 out of 20 wards in as identified within Appendix 5 for selective licensing to last for 5 years from the date of the designations coming into force.   1.5      Cabinet approved the Licence Conditions attached at Appendix 6.   1.6      Cabinet approved the final fee structure as detailed in Appendix 7.   1.7      Cabinet agreed that authority to issue the required statutory notifications in relation to Selective Licensing is delegated to Executive Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Housing.   1.8      Cabinet noted that the scheme will be published via an agreed communication plan in accordance with the Regulations before the designation comes into force.   1.9      Cabinet agreed that the Executive Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Housing, to be authorised to decide the date from which the Council will begin to accept applications for a Selective Licensing Scheme.   1.10    Cabinet approved the procurement of a software application to support the effective administration, monitoring, and enforcement of the Council’s Selective Licensing Scheme for private rented housing and delegate authority to the Executive Director of Corporate Services and the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Housing to:   * Finalise the procurement specification and tender documents,   *Undertake the tender process in accordance with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules,   *Select the most suitable supplier based on cost-effectiveness, functionality, and value for money,   *Award the contract to the preferred bidder following the conclusion of the procurement process within 2025/26.   Reason for the decision: as outlined in the report This decision is subject to call-in          

Date of Decision: September 17, 2025