Agenda item

The Private Sector Housing Manager provided a discussion paper (previously circulated) and a presentation to the Committee around the Renter’s Rights Bill.

The presentation included the Bill’s aims were to give greater security and stability to renters to stay in their homes for longer, build lives in their communities and avoid the risk of homelessness. An overview of the 4 parts of the bill were explained as well as what is included in the bill such as the duty to enforce and report, the key measures and how the changes will be funded.

The discussion paper stated that the Private Rented Sector had now stabilised from its increase in the 15 years to 2021. 10.45% of households in Darlington are rented from the Local Authority, 5.76% are rented from a housing association and 18.47% are privately rented. The proportion of privately rented properties in Darlington was explained to be above the nation average and that of the Northeast.

Included in the paper was the latest census data (2021) which indicated that the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in Darlington was approximately 9035 properties. The Council did not have the details of the individual properties, but the census data is broken down into Ward data, Northgate Ward was detailed with the highest proportion of privately rented with 1,118 (50%) properties.

Discussion ensued around the funding of the renter’s rights bill and how this would affect officers at Darlington Borough Council.

AGREED – That Members note the report and recommended this item to return.