Providing enough homes of all sizes and tenures and tackling poor quality housing is a priority here in Peterborough.
It is nationally too, with Labour's housing plan aiming to tackle longstanding issues of affordability, quality and security.
The Government will do this by making sure there are more new homes being built, supporting local authorities such as ours to make that happen, by tackling rogue landlords and improving the energy efficiency of rental properties, better supporting first time buyers and making changes such as the abolition of Section 21 'no fault' eviction powers.
Having good quality housing is a basic human necessity and that is why the council launched its Selective Licensing scheme back in March, aimed at raising standards in privately rented properties in designated areas of the city.
The scheme is being delivered in conjunction with our partner Home Safe and requires landlords to apply for a five-year license to ensure their properties meet the required safety and living standards.
I’m delighted to say that eight months in the initiative is making great progress. The vast majority of landlords have complied with its requirements, with our housing team receiving over 7,000 license applications. We are on track to issue all licenses for valid applications by December, with the first round of property inspections now well underway.
So far, more than 500 properties have been inspected and over 2,000 issues have been identified, including hazards such as severe damp and mould, missing or faulty smoke detectors, inadequate ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms, the absence of window restrictors, and damaged ceiling and wall plaster. In response, the Selective Licensing team is now working closely with landlords to address these problems and improve living conditions for tenants in the affected properties.
The fact that so many issues have been found demonstrates that there was a clear need for Selective Licensing to be introduced, as without it these serious problems could have gone unreported.
By working closely with landlords to address these concerns, we’re already seeing noticeable improvements in the safety of many tenants’ homes, and I look forward to seeing the scheme continue to make a positive impact.
I would also remind landlords in the designated Selective Licensing areas who have still not applied for licenses of the urgent need to do so. Landlords with unlicensed rented properties can face a financial penalty notice of up to £30,000 or an unlimited fine from the court and could also be ordered to repay up to 12 months' rent. For more information about Selective Licensing and how to apply visit here.
One of the positive updates to come from the Government’s recent Autumn Budget announcement was a £44m fund for kinship and foster care.
Kinship carers are people who raise children that are not their biological parent, but instead another relative or close family friend.
The funding will enable up to ten areas to evaluate providing kinship carers with allowances to cover some of the costs of care, encouraging more family members or friends to come forward.
The council, with the support of our MPs, Sam Carling and Andrew Pakes, has sent a letter to Children’s Minister Janet Daby, MP urging it to include Peterborough in its trial.
We believe that many children in the care system could thrive within their extended families if kinship carers received the necessary support, which would also reduce pressures on the foster care system. The additional funding would enable more children to remain within their family networks, helping the council to provide stability and community support for vulnerable children.
Our interest has been noted by the Government, so watch this space.
If you know someone who always goes ‘above and beyond…’ or a group that makes a positive difference in your community, then why not put them forward to be considered for a Civic Award?
Nominations for the council’s Civic Awards for 2025 are now open. Anyone can nominate a resident, group, organisation or business within the city for an award, as long as the nominee meets the criteria.
There are several award categories and more information on each award as well as nomination forms and details on how to enter can be found here. We will also be promoting them on our social media accounts.
Entries must be made by 5pm on 17 January and all nominations will be passed to the council’s Constitution and Ethics Committee who will draw up a shortlist of finalists and select the winners. They will be announced at a council meeting and following this, the winners, their nominators and guests will be invited to a special presentation evening in May.
I would like to wish everyone who is nominated for an award the very best of luck!
Finally, I always love promoting exciting events that are happening in Peterborough, and we’ve certainly had some belters this year.
The Cathedral is currently hosting another spectacular event which is certain to get you into the Christmas spirit. ‘Starlight by Luxmuralis’ is a stunning lightshow for all the family to enjoy, which runs until Saturday. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk
In addition, the best-selling author and anticipated ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ contestant, the Rev Richard Coles, will be visiting Peterborough next month to support the Mayor’s Charities.
He’ll be the special guest at a festive luncheon hosted by the Mayor, Councillor Marco Cereste, on 14 December at the Holiday Inn Peterborough West (11am to 2.30pm) to mark the launch of his latest book ‘Murder Under the Mistletoe’. For more details and to book your place please email mayor@peterborough.gov.uk