Cabinet considered a report on a proposed fee setting policy and fees for the licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). A revised licensing scheme is required as the definition of a licensable HMO will change with effect from 1 October 2018 and consequently the number of properties in Spelthorne requiring a licence will significantly increase.
Alternative options considered and rejected by Cabinet:
· Not to adopt the HMO fees and fee setting policy
· To adopt the HMO fees and fee setting policy with amendments
Resolved to:
1. Adopt the proposed fee setting policy for the licensing of houses in multiple occupation, and
2. Agree to delegate authority to determine the fees under this policy for 2018/19 to the Leader in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.
Reasons for decision
• The proposed fee setting policy is designed to reward landlords who comply with their legal requirements, while ensuring non-compliant landlords pay for the additional Council resources used towards achieving their compliance.
• The fee setting policy directs the cost of the Council’s statutory duties for licensing houses in multiple occupation to those who benefit financially from them, rather than council tax payers.