Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Deferred
Paragraph: 99
Specifically, we recommend that the Government end the existing exemptions that registered providers have from...
Recommendation
Specifically, we recommend that the Government end the existing exemptions that registered providers have from HMO licensing and the Article 4 direction. Furthermore, we recommend that the loophole relating to non-registered providers with properties containing six or fewer residents also be addressed so that they are brought within the planning regime. This action would prevent there being a change of use without planning permission, which would be a much-needed tool to enable local authorities to balance the provision of exempt accommodation with other housing need and to control the density of exempt accommodation in an area.
Government Response Summary
The government states that licensing schemes and national support standards are the best way to ensure the right provision, that the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill includes a proposed duty for local authorities to produce local supported housing strategies, and that the Secretary of State will undertake a review of the effect of licensing schemes within 3 years, at which point a determination will be made as to whether planning reform is required.
Paragraph Reference:
99
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
48. It is important that local areas plan to meet local need for supported housing and that registered social landlords are not overburdened with additional requirements above what is already in place. However, the Government recognises that some local authorities feel powerless to prevent new supported housing provision that is not required or that does not align with strategic plans. We believe that the local housing authority licensing schemes and national support standards are the best way to ensure that the right provision in the right places is ensured. These measures are targeted at the problem we are seeing with poor quality provision. Where local authorities implement a licensing scheme this will supersede Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing. 49. While there are no plans to make changes to the use classes, we recognise that local areas want to plan effectively to meet local need. Therefore, the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Bill includes a proposed duty for local authorities to produce local supported housing strategies. This will enable local authorities to map supported housing supply and demand and will provide LAs and the Government with a strategic view of provision. 50.T he Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Secretary of State has committed to undertake a review of the effect of licensing schemes on accommodation and support within 3 years after the regulations are made. At this stage, a determination will be made as to whether planning reform is required through creating a separate use class for exempt accommodation.