Decision details

(i)  That Cabinet considers and approves the proposed policy, attached as Appendix 1.

(ii)  That Cabinet delegates authority to the Director of Transactions & Universal Services to make minor amendments to the policy in relation to technical clarifications and legislative change.

(iii)  That Cabinet delegates authority to the Director of Transactions & Universal Services to set and amend the HMO licence fees.

The HMO Licensing Policy sets out how the council will administer HMO licensing in Southampton in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act 2004. The Policy publishes specific information regarding refunds, fit and proper persons assessments & length of licences which fall outside the scope of the statutory framework within which HMO licensing is currently administered.

Not having a policy on HMO licensing would limit the discretion of the council and would not make the council position clear and transparent on HMO licensing.