HL Deb 16 July 1998 vol 592 cc452-3

7.57 p.m.

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton rose to move, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 22nd June be approved [39th Report from the Joint Committee.]

The noble Baroness said: My Lords, I beg to move the first of the Motions standing in the name of my noble friend Lady Hayman on the Order Paper.

The Housing Act 1996 gave local authorities new powers to adopt registration schemes for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). It was intended that local authorities should be able to charge a non-refundable fee on application to recoup some of their costs of processing applications for registration. However, we have concluded that the provisions of the 1996 Act do not enable authorities to charge a fee unless and until registration is granted.

We are concerned that that may leave authorities that have adopted control schemes out of pocket, particularly if there are large numbers of HMOs in a poor condition in their area. It may also deter them from chasing landlords of poor-quality HMOs to ensure that they comply with their duty to apply for registration. However, authorities may be reluctant to adopt these schemes if they are unable to charge a fee until registration is agreed.

These regulations will enable authorities with control schemes to charge a non-refundable fee when application for registration is made. They are made under the power in Section 150 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. This power has previously been used to enable authorities to charge fees under HMO registration schemes adopted prior to the Housing Act 1996. The fee stipulated by the regulations is subject to a maximum of £60 per habitable room, which was prescribed by the Houses in Multiple Occupation (Fees for Registration Schemes) Order 1997. This order will also be amended to provide that where a fee has been paid on application under the regulations, no further fee will be payable on registration. I therefore ask the House to approve the making of the regulations.

Moved, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 22nd June be approved [39th Report from the Joint Committee].—(Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton.)

Lord Bowness

My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for her explanation. From these Benches we are content that the regulations be approved.

On Question, Motion agreed to.