Issue - meetings

Members considered recommendations from the meetings of the Executive Committee held on Tuesday 4^th August and Tuesday 8^th September.

Amenity Standards Document for Privately Rented Properties in Redditch

Members discussed the report and in so doing commented that under the terms of the policy licences would be issued to landlords managing HMOs.  Those landlords would be expected to maintain at least minimum standards, as detailed in the document. There were 80 HMOs in Redditch, so this was a significant form of housing for people in the private rented sector in the Borough.  In the updated policy the definition of some key areas, such as the minimum bedroom size, had been clarified and many elements had been updated in line with best practice, including the fire safety standards.

During consideration of this item reference was made to changes to housing benefits and the impact that this could have on demand for accommodation in HMOs.  Concerns were raised that HMOs housing five or fewer residents would not require a licence though it was noted that the Council had the discretion to update the policy at a later date to take into account these properties.  Members highlighted the need for the content of the policy to be communicated to both landlords and tenants so that both understood the minimum standards required as well as their respective rights.  There was general consensus that the majority of landlords in Redditch were very good but Members acknowledged that there were some rogue landlords and if they did not comply with the requirements set out in the policy the Council could take action against those individuals.

Creation of a Joint Worcestershire and Herefordshire Waste Partnership Strategy Officer

The report focused on the potential for a new officer post to be introduced which would involve the employment of an officer to co-ordinate responses to Government legislation on behalf of six district Councils in Worcestershire and the unitary authority in Herefordshire. 

Members discussed the following points in relation to this report:

·                The Government had consulted on proposed changes to Environmental Service provision at a local level, which had included the potential to introduce a food waste collection service.

·                Concerns were raised that the introduction of a food waste collection service could contribute to an increase in financial costs to the Council as well as in the number of bins provided to each household.

·                The Government’s proposals were at the consultation stage and no final decisions had yet been taken.  Any legislation requiring changes to Council services would be the subject of a further report to Council.

·                There would be the potential loss of income for the Council should the authority no longer be able to charge for garden waste collection services, which was an idea that had been discussed by the Government.

·                The changes to recycling services would help to ensure that there was a standard approach across the country.

·                The Council would need to issue effective communications about any changes to waste and recycling services to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35