Agenda item

Report of the Group Director of Services

The Group Director of Services submitted a report (previously circulated) that provided members with an update on the Private Sector Housing Strategy and Service Area update.

The report stated the strategy’s three core aims: Aim 1 – Decent quality homes in the private rented sector, Aim 2 – Enable growth in the private rented sector, Aim 3 – Working with and supporting all residents in Darlington.

The report detailed that around 80% of Darlington’s 51,885 homes were in the private rented sector. The Private Rented Sector had more than doubled size in the last 15 years to 2021, this has now stabilised and has been estimated to be 20% of the housing market, approximately 8,875 properties. 

The submitted report outlined a service area update on the Private Sector Housing, this included the national legislative changes to management of the Private rented sector, The increased demand and duties on the service area and the number of projects which contributed towards the aims of the strategy.

Members questioned the process for inspections on Private Rented Properties, and how landlords respond to the inspections.

Members wanted to understand how empty properties are required to allow the network to move around, and the taxation on empty properties for private landlords.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.