Back in November I blogged about a forthcoming cross-party scrutiny review into private rented sector housing in Reading that I have been closely involved in, as Chair of the Housing, Health and Community Care Scrutiny Panel. This has now been launched with the first meeting on the subject taking place on 5 February.
The Lib Dems in Reading have actively campaigned to get the issues connected with private rented housing on the agenda. Belatedly, some Labour activisits have admitted the Council could be doing more to tackle rogue landlords and other problems, after years of ignoring the issue.
There are an estimated 1,677 private rented properties in Redlands alone, with around 291 of those properties houses of multiple occupation (HMOs). In Reading as a whole, 20% of households live in private rented sector housing (compared to 11% nationally). About 6% or 3250 properties in Reading are classified as HMOs.
The scrutiny review aims to investigate some of the issues around private rented housing and to ask the question: are the Council's policies in this area as effective as they can be?
The Council's emerging housing strategy which I blogged about last year will need to take account of the role of private rented housing.
This is an issue of clear public interest and one where there are a range of views so we will be holding a 'have your say' consultation event as part of the review. This is taking place on 10 February between 6.30pm-8.30m at the Hexagon Theatre on Queens Walk.
This will be an informal event at which everyone with an interest in this area including tenants, students, landlords are invited to submit their views on a range of issues connected with private rented housing: stock condition, environmental issues, student housing, HMOs etc.
I have set up a Facebook group to promote the review. If you are unable to attend the event but would like to have your say on issues connected with private rented housing, please visit the Council's website where you can submit comments electronically.
Following the event, members of the Housing, Health and Community Care and Environment Scrutiny Panels will be considering the views they have heard and looking to formulate recommendations to the Council's Cabinet on this issue.
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