Back in February we called on the local authority to consider a range of options to address these matters by evaluating proven, effective methods of regulating housing in the private sector. We asked that the council specifically consider implementing a selective licensing scheme which would oblige landlords in the private sector to comply with certain criteria to bring them broadly in line with lettings criteria in the social sector. This would include the proper vetting of prospective tenants and keeping properties in an acceptable condition amongst others (please see post dated Friday 23 February 2018 for background details).
When we met last week with the relevant cabinet member at county hall we were assured that our request is being considered and that all possible implications are currently being investigated to establish how effective a selective licensing scheme would be under certain separate conditions. We will update on progress with this development in due course.
We acknowledge that a selective licensing scheme could take time to implement (due to a statutory period of consultation with stakeholders including residents, tenants and landlords) and a potential request to the secretary of state for consent to implement a scheme if it exceeds a defined number of properties in any particular location. So in the meantime we have asked housing officers to consider a range of suitable short-term measures to address any incidents of anti-social behaviour associated with tenants in the private rented sector. It should be noted of course that as these are often criminal matters the police will take the initial lead. We have expressed to officers the urgency of these matters and we will update on developments with any proposed interim measures in due course.
In relation to the most recent incident last Friday evening the police have released details of their involvement confirming that 3 persons have been charged and remanded to court. We have asked that all relevant details be passed to the private sector housing office at county hall to enable officers there to follow up. The housing office has confirmed this morning that they are now in possession of those details and that officers have begun their investigations, beginning with contact with the landlord.
Finally, as it appears there is still some confusion locally about who to contact in the event of council related queries (including those relating to housing in the private sector and associated policy queries) we would advise residents to either contact the council direct at durham.gov.uk, contact us in the usual way or come along and talk to us face to face at one of our four monthly ward surgeries (please go to the article dated Friday 27 April 2018 for full details).
We will update on progress with local issues as soon as there are any significant developments.
