Tamworth Private Sector Landlords Forum

Minutes of meeting 18th May 2017

Council Chambers, Marmion House, Tamworth.

Present: I Beattie, C. Lear, A Holland, E. Iyaswilde, R.Edwards, I. Wood, A White, M. Bullocvk, C. Lyons, V . Martin, T. Elson, A . Parr, R. Nield, B. Johnson, C.Johnson, C. Shepperd, G. Loriozaw, C. Pitt, D. Whittaker, R/ Orhem, M. Robinson, L. Wood, M. Bygrave, A. Bruce, S. Phipps.

Please accept my apology for anything missed and briefness of minutes, - as the minute taker had to keep leaving the room …

Notes / Action
1. / Welcome and Introductions
Ian , + Mandy opened the meeting- explaining that it was a little different to normal.. we have had 2 x speakers cancel at the last minute - Amanda from SSW has stepped into the breach. and SP will do TBC slot …. Mandy has to leave early…..
2. / Open forum Mandy Bygrave- Mandy discussed the policies/ issues that the various parties have on their agendas in the run up to the General election.
SP – Reminded the meeting that the gvt. have issued a consultation doc. on the banning of letting agency fees… may be interesting/ useful to take a look and respond.
3. / Amanda Bruce- ( Customer and Community Engagement Officer) from South staffs water – , spoke about 2 different schemes available to help reduce the amount eligible people will have to pay for their water.
Watersure- applicable to metered properties only, .occupiers with 3 children on qualifying benefits can have the charges capped. (nationwide scheme)
Assure Tarriff – South staffs water’s own scheme, subject to household income level ( £ 16,105) applicants can get up to 80% reductions in water charges. A Severn Trent discount will automatically apply
Amanda is working to reduce length/ difficulty of form and will undertake home visits to complete if needed.
Amanda also reminded the meeting that there is charitable trust that can be applied to reduce arrears. The Trust are also looking for volunteers.
Reminded the meeting of the ‘Landlord TAP’ service – l/l can register and submit info. around start/end tenancies
South staffs water are not making meters compulsory…
Amanda stressed the benefits of the ‘Priority services’ register… if they know where / who are more vulnerable customers they can amend services/ works accordingly. E.g. if there is someone in a road that requires dialysis they can ensure water not cut off at that time.
Bogus callers- works being done… but is anyone still identifying themselves as from the ‘Waterboard ‘… probably bogus.
Water saving devices can be obtained by all from the website
4. . / Callum and George from Solvo Vir, gave a presentation on the changing rules/ legislation around Energy performance ratings in private rented accommodation. (Minimum Energy Efficiency standard) From April 2018 it will be unlawful to rent out a property which does not reach an E rating, D by 2018, C by 2030.
Solvo Vir are offering free training access to level 2 understanding MEES in domestic dwellings - subject to eligibility criteria. The training will include which measures are cost effective.
There is lots of useful info around energy efficiency on the DECC web pages.
Julian from the Business Comparison HUB spoke very briefly to publicise the work his company do around energy provision/ dealing with utility companies for HMO landlords
5 . / Sue Phipps from TBC spoke about how the Housing Solutions team here in Tamworth are looking to work in partnership with more private landlords.
We have adopted the new legislation that means we can house people into the private rented sector.
The Housing solutions Team can now offer funding directly to landlords for rent in advance /fees / arrears. The money goes directly to the landlord, via bacs ..
Alan/ Roy advised that Lichfield Council offer a similar fund.
SP also updated that her team are looking to get revised enforcement policy and various other provisions around the smoke detection regulation, landlord redress, Housing and Planning Act 16 provisions such as civil penalties… to cabinet in July 17- after the election.
( not that any of the above will apply to any l/l in this room)
6. / Date next meeting : 27th July 2017 joint with colleagues in Lichfield at the Council Offices