Report of the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment

The Committee received a report and presentation to provide an update on the Council’s approach to dealing with some of the issues in the private or privately rented sector.

It was highlighted that there are 67,000 private or privately rented properties in Gateshead. It was stated that the team undertakes a wide range of action including dealing with the regulation of standards, selective landlord licencing in specific areas and dealing with ASB across the borough.

From the presentation the Committee were provided with an overview of the Private Sector Housing Team and their additional priorities which included providing advice and support to both landlords and tenants. A summary of what the team deals with regularly was also provided which included involvement with issues of disrepair and verminous properties.

It was noted that as part of the Council’s Thrive agenda, the Private Sector Housing Team are going the extra mile to solve problems that are not the norm. It was also stated that the team are using an intelligence and knowledge led approach with more enforcement action against persistent offenders.

Within the presentation an overview of facts and figures were provided as follows:

•       75% reduction in reported crime in Selective Licensing Areas since 2018. Includes identifying and eliminating brothels, prostitute rest houses, accommodation for trafficked people or modern-day slaves and cannabis farms.

•       Helping individuals in debt to landlords and utility suppliers to make payment arrangements therefore avoiding eviction and preventing homelessness.

•       Unannounced inspections – carried out early morning and late evening jointly with police and priority based on demand for Police and Council services.

•       Improving lives – many filthy or verminous properties usually very complex circumstances,

•       increased use of Improvement Notices to improve property conditions where category 1 or 2 hazards exist.

•       Use of civil penalties of up to £30k More landlords being fined for being evasive & non-compliant – tackling the worst first! 20+ so far.

•       Compliance with Licence conditions – monitoring turnover of tenants with Council Tax and getting straight back into properties.

•       Modern day slavery – Bentinks, Hotel Express

•       Supported Operation Benelli -Organised Motorbike thefts, drug supply and serious violence

•       Tackling ASB – Robust use of powers to deal with these problems including:

•       Community Protection Warnings

•       Community protection Notices

•       Abatement notices

•       Injunctions

•       Attending court for non compliance and seeking conviction

•       Significant contributor of referrals into ‘Public Service Reform’ team – 12 recent cases

•       Other enforcement teams using Op Vienna officers – notified of caravan. Police investigated found individual wanted on warrant for over a year with a large supply of heroin.

•       Working with Trading Standards and ‘Tobacco dog’ to tackle illicit supplies in community.

Officers presenting offered an open invitation to Councillors of the Committee to spend some time with the Private Sector Housing team should they wish to find out more about the work being done.

The Committee noted that the presentation had been interesting and that a Members Seminar to expand on the issues raised would be beneficial.

RESOLVED:

(i)            The Committee noted the contents of the report and presentation.

(ii)           The Committee requested that a Members Seminar take place for further information.