Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations, with the addition of a third recommendation as detailed below:

(3)       That the representations made at the Community and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee be shared with the Minister by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration.

Councillor Bibby introduced the report and explained that the Renting Homes Act was the biggest change to housing law in Wales for decades.  From 1^st December 2022 the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 would change the way all landlords in Wales rented their properties.

The Act aimed to simplify the process of renting a home in Wales and to provide parties with more information about their rights and obligations.  The Act was partially in force, for the purpose of making regulations and issuing guidance.

The report provided an overview of the new Act and the changes that would be brought into effect from 1^st December 2022.

The report had been considered at the Community and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 16^th November with concerns raised on: what consultation was carried out; changes to Introductory Tenancies; changes to Abandonment Notices; and Enhanced Succession Rights.

In response to a comment made on the termination of tenancies, the Benefits Manager had made enquires with Welsh Government and the Council’s legal partners and a response would be provided to Members once received.

Councillor Bibby said he would take the comments made at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to WG and he was seeking a meeting with the Minister, and that action be recorded as an additional resolution.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the proposed changes to the way all landlords in Wales rent their properties for implementation from 1^st December 2022 be noted; and

(b)       That the use of discretion provided in the Act to remove the use of introductory tenancies from the policy be noted; and

(c)        That the representations made at the Community and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee be shared with the Minister by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration.