We need your help again to stop rogue landlords in Southend!
Thank you for your continued support. A lot has happened since the last update and we need your help yet again.
Unfortunately our petition was not accepted as it was not int he correct format. This is where you come in! I have set up a new e-petition on the approved council site, which runs from today until 18th December 2020.
It would be fantastic if you could pop into the site and sign this- thank you in advance. Here is the link https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?id=36
At the last full council meeting, the One Voice Queensway East Residents Association (OVQE) asked a question about Article 4 directions and whether the council would consider this. The council highligted that impostition of Article 4 would not address the issue of existing HMOs, which we were aware of, but would instead require developers to apply for a proposal to gain planning permission, which, we think, would provide an additional hurdle for unscruppulous landlords.
The counicl have said that, to impose article 4, they would need a significant body of evidence that new HMOs for up to 6 people are being created in Kursaal Ward, or other wards, in significal numbers. If we can provide this evidence they will look into the matter further. OVQE are working on this currently but if you have any helpful information, please visit their facebook page.
I was also able to ask a question about Selective Landlord Licensing, and whether there was any intention to proceed with this, as it would go some way to address the issues arising from existing HMOs. The council have issued a public consultation, which is online, but there are a couple of workshops for those who are interested. Information can be found here:
Thank you in advance for your hep and support.
Tricia Cowdrey
Labour and Cooperative Candidate for Kursaal Ward