That the Cabinet resolves:

(i)      to support Generation Rent’s campaign to abolish section 21 of the Housing Act 1988; and

(ii)     that the Leader of the Council writes to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government requesting this change in the law.

To support the Motion to help protect tenants from being evicted by private landlords without reason.

None

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on Monday, 5 August 2019 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

Members considered a motion in relation to a campaign to restrict no-fault evictions, notice of which was given in accordance with Standing Order A14.

Councillor Long proposed and Councillor Law seconded a motion, as set out below which was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet:

This Council notes that there are a significant number of households renting from private landlords in Torbay, including families with children.

This Council welcomes the campaign to end section 21 – the clause of the Housing Act 1988 that allows private landlords to evict tenants without reason.

The Council recognises that the threat of a no-fault eviction causes insecurity and stress for Torbay residents who rent privately and can discourage tenants from complaining about substandard housing.

The Council acknowledges the action taken by the Scottish government to restrict no-fault evictions.

The Cabinet resolves:

i)       to support Generation Rent’s campaign to abolish section 21 of the Housing Act 1988;

ii)      that the Leader writes to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government requesting this change in the law.

None