Decision details

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1)    Considers the consultation responses and analysis set out;

2)    Considers the Equalities Impact Assessment in Appendix 4.

3)    Agrees that the Council uses powers enacted under Section 56 of the Housing Act 2004 to designate the Additional Licensing Scheme for Houses of Multiple Occupancy to the whole borough.

4)    Agrees the Additional Licensing Conditions detailed in Appendix 2.

5)    Agrees the final Schedule of Fees detailed in Appendix 3.

6)    Notes the implementation requirements and proposed timeline.

Reasons for decisions

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth presented final proposals for additional licensing controls for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), following an extensive borough wide consultation. He noted that poorly managed HMOs were a frequent concern for residents, often affecting the character of neighbourhoods, local streets and quality of life. Residents had been clear that they wanted higher standards and action taken where properties were badly managed. The Cabinet Member was clear that the Administration had listened and was delivering on the commitment made by full Council to tackle unlicensed and substandard HMOs.

Cabinet was reminded that consultation on a proposed borough wide additional licensing scheme had been agreed in October 2025. The consultation results showed strong support, with four in five respondents backing the scheme and believing it would improve neighbourhoods, raise standards and help identify rogue landlords. The evidence base also supported intervention, with nearly 2,000 unregistered HMOs estimated in the Borough, serious housing hazards and thousands of anti social behaviour incidents linked to HMOs across all wards. The Cabinet Member stated that doing nothing was not an option and that the scheme would support responsible landlords while targeting poor practice.

The proposed licence fee was based on full cost recovery to fund enforcement without burdening taxpayers. Subject to approval, the designation would be made in February, followed by the statutory three month notice period. Applications would open in May, with full compliance required by 23 August 2026 and enforcement beginning on 24 August 2026. The Cabinet Member highlighted that the scheme aligned with the borough wide Article 4 Direction, ensuring a coordinated approach across planning and housing enforcement.

The Cabinet Member thanked officers, in particular Richard Webb, Stephanie Waterford, Michelle Greenidge and the wider Residents Services team, for their extensive work in gathering evidence, running the consultation and preparing the report. He noted that the proposals demonstrated a clear commitment to listening to residents and taking decisive action to protect neighbourhoods.

The Leader of the Council agreed that well run HMOs formed an important part of the housing mix, but poorly managed HMOs were highly problematic for residents. He stressed that introducing the scheme must be followed by firm enforcement to uphold standards.

Cabinet, therefore, duly considering the evidence and rationale set out along with the consultation outcomes and equalities impact assessment, agreed to introduce an Additional Licensing Scheme for HMOs in Hillingdon.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to do nothing, use alternate powers or a partial policy, but considered these would not effectively manage the use of HMOs in the Borough.