For the Panel to consider the draft report to Cabinet written in response the report on Housing Performance Q1.

The Panel is recommended to agree the draft report, having raised any necessary amendments.

The Panel considered a draft of the report to Cabinet written in response to the Housing Performance Q1 report. The draft report was AGREED.

For the Panel to consider the draft report to Cabinet made in response to its discussion regarding the impact of Covid-19 on private sector tenants at its previous meeting, and to approve the report having made any necessary amendments.

NB The report for this item will follow as a supplement.

The Panel considered a draft of the report written in response to the discussion held on the effect of Covid-19 on the private rented sector.

Following discussion it was AGREED to approve the report with a number of amendments:

-       To add a recommendation ‘that the Council takes whatever measures it has at its disposal, including environmental health enforcement powers, to reduce the number of unsafe homes being let out before winter arrives’

-       That the Scrutiny Officer research and, if opportunity arises, add a relevant recommendation relating to strengthening the Council’s response to the flouting of ‘no DSS’ policies in the private rented sector.

-       To add a recommendation ‘that the Council works with local housing support and advice organisations to draft a letter on the need for government to introduce practical policy changes to increase protection for renters, to include consideration of ending section 21 evictions and the need for a rent-freeze policy, and for the Leader to send the agreed letter to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government’.