Issue - meetings

At the previous meeting of the Scrutiny Steering Board, Members had requested a report on why a decision on Mobile Home Licensing (which had been included on the Forward Plan) had been delayed.  The Board had also felt it was necessary to invite the relevant Portfolio Holder and therefore, Councillor Whittaker was present for this item.

Consideration was given to the report which outlined the background and the reasons for the delay.  It was explained that the delay was due to: (a) recruitment difficulties within the department which meant the necessary site inspections could not be carried out; and (b) the revised Model Standard Conditions for Mobile Homes which had only been issued in April 2008. 

The Board was informed that it was anticipated that all mobile home sites would be inspected by the summer 2008 and the revised model standards were in the process of being analysed.  Questions, particularly in relation to recruitment issues, were answered by both Councillor Whittaker and Mr. Street, (Executive Director - Partnerships and Projects). 

The Board raised a particular concern as to whether residents would be made homeless if a landlord, who wished to have residents removed from a site, decided not to conform to the standard conditions and instead face enforcement.  It was believed that it was likely there would be an appeal process for residents but Mr. Street stated he would investigate what the consequences would be and inform the Board at a later date.  There was also a discussion on planning permission, fees and contractual arrangements.

RESOLVED:

(a)    that the report be noted; and

(b)    that the Executive Director - Partnerships and Projects inform the Members of the Board what the consequences would be if enforcement action was taken against a landlord who did not conform to the standard conditions because it was their wish to have residents removed from a site.