Decision details

Mr Andy Foot, Head of Housing presented evaluations of the Transience Programme (South Beach area and expanded to Claremont and central Blackpool), which had been running from 2015 and was due to finish in September 2018, and the associated (private sector) Selective Licensing Programme (South Beach area) which had run from 2012-2017.

Members noted that the Transience Programme funding was due to finish in September 2018 and queried what work was in place to ensure improvement initiatives were sustained. They also recognised that selective licensing had been highly effective based on the feedback received from residents and expressed concern of potential risks that housing and anti-social behaviour standards might start slipping.

Mr Foot advised that the Selective Licensing Programme had allowed private sector properties within remit to be inspected and improvements supported. The Transience Programme had originally been funded by Public Health to support communities. He added that there was no further funding available for the Transience Programme but sustainability was proposed through development of neighbourhood service delivery models. He cited the health led ‘Vanguards’ pilot work to develop integrated locality hubs with Adult Social Care and other services. He referred to the effectiveness of the Transience Programme being underpinned by approaches that reach out to people who otherwise may not seek help.

Members suggested that it would be good if tougher enforcement could be applied to rouge landlords other than having to wait for health and safety issues. In response, Members were advised that there were a range of options albeit limited.

Councillor Wright advised that although enforcement options were limited, the Selective Licensing Programme had allowed lots of properties to be inspected and tenants helped. She added that help included making tenants aware of their rights and entitlements. Some landlords had been co-operative and were recognised as good landlords.

Councillor Campbell added that she had been on inspections and seen the terrible state of some properties. Regular meetings had been held with landlords and licensing staff to promote improvements. It was important to give early help to people and she would be aiming to secure funding to keep the Transience Programme going.