To debate any motions submitted in accordance with Council Procedure
Rules.
Minutes:
The item began with the Administration motion which read:
“This council believes strongly that a secure home is at the very heart of all of our lives, it gives security and therefore enables aspiration to grow. It gives children a stable home in which to grow up in and because of this we will be ending the use of fixed-term tenancies in our council homes.
“This council also believes that residents living in the private rented sector should have the security to build their lives and their futures and to become an active part of their community. We are aware that the largest reason for homelessness within this borough is eviction from the private rented sector. As well as security, homes must be of a decent standard which is why Croydon Council is proud to have introduced a Landlords’ Licensing Scheme right across the borough
“Insecurity harms the quality of life for tenants, with private renters less likely than either owners or people in social housing to say they know lots of people in their local area, but more worried that they will have to move within the next year. The threat of being evicted also gives landlords huge power over tenants, who may decide not to complain about disrepair, big rent increases or other problems in case they are kicked out.
“We therefore call on the government to abolish Section 21and the use of no-fault evictions, which would help to make renting more secure, improve standards, increase tenant confidence and ultimately contribute towards making renting a viable long-term alternative to home ownership or social rent for the millions who currently cannot access either.”
Councillor Butler proposed the motion and highlighted the importance of having a place to call home at heart of all our lives – that this was the foundation to belonging. The Councillor noted that for far too many it’s not their choice to be in the private rented sector and that this was becoming an increasingly difficult option caused by the use of evictions. The damage caused by evictions was noted. For example in the resulting school moves. Emphasised that those in the private rented sector had very few rights and many lacked security of tenure making it harder to become part of the community. Croydon was therefore to end fixed term tenancies for its residents. The Councillor called on the Government to take action including lowering the cap on deposits and for the Housing Minister to listen to the needs of tenants and not just landlords.
Councillor Sirisena seconded the motion and reserved the right to speak.
The Mayor then called on Councillor Tim Pollard, who firstly declared a personal interest having been a landlord for over a decade but one who had never evicted or increased the rent on a sitting tenant. Highlighted that he had no need to do either with rent abiding tenants. Emphasised the lack of good properties to rent and the failure to provide new council houses. Noted the landlord incentive scheme used in neighbouring boroughs and how membership is dependent on the landlord fulfilling certain requirements including not using Section 21 for revenge evictions. The Councillor noted that there was no incentive to use Section 21 if you had good tenants. He highlighted his sympathy for the idea of balancing the relationship between landlord and tenant but expressed concern that withdrawing Section 21 would significantly restrict the supply of rented accommodation. Referenced the risk that landlords would evict current tenants before a change in legislation takes effect. Concluded that therefore it was not possible to support the motion as it currently stands and recommended it be amended.
The Mayor then called on Councillor Hale to speak who highlighted her agreement with the need for stability and that it was vital to put down roots. However, the Councillor felt this motion not to be the answer. Councillors regularly received calls from those that lose their homes. Frequently these were families with children at local schools. Emphasised that the Council was failing to meet demand for housing and that the number of households on housing register was higher than at the same point a year previously. Whilst there had been a promise to build council houses none had been built in four years which had led to a reliance on the private rented sector. The vast majority of landlords did a great job, they needed confidence they can regain their property when things go wrong. Called for landlords’ hands not to be tied and for Croydon to build a new generation of council houses.
The Mayor then called on Councillor Sirisena to speak who highlighted Section 21 as the leading cause of homelessness not just in Croydon but across the country. No fault evictions were used against those who complained about the quality of their accommodation. Ultimately the motion was about fairness; tenants should have the right to live peacefully if honouring their contract. Section 21 gave a small number of landlords power over the happiness of 11 million renters. Section 21 would be abolished under a Labour Government which would empower those most in need. Called for a renters’ union and seconded the notion.
The motion was put to the vote and carried.
The opposition motion was then put to the Council:
“Across Croydon, the bin reforms are damaging faith in the Council. Thousands of concerned residents have flooded the Council’s helpline - confused by conflicting instructions, bins not delivered on time, waste left due to missed bin collections.
“When residents try to call to speak to a real person they end up stuck in an unmoving queue, before being directed online – regardless of whether they have access to a computer or not. They email for help and are often ignored.
“Our Labour-run Council just isn’t listening, it is failing the people of Croydon. This Council apologises to its residents, resolves to instigate swift processes to improve the situation, and provide Council Tax compensation for those receiving a substandard service”.
Councillor Mohan proposed the motion and noted his support for any policy that helped increase recycling. This had increased under the previous Conservative Administration to close to 45% but had fallen under Labour. The Councillor noted that it would have to be seen how long the increase in recycling rates by 9% would last. Highlighted there had been no consultation with residents on the new waste service. The main issues with this were noted: 1) Bins were delivered to properties which did not have the space to accommodate them; 2) Bins had therefore been removed which was a waste of resources. 3) There were difficulties in making contact to report issues about the service – it was difficult to speak to someone when the contact centre was called and emails were not answered. Not all residents had computer access; 4) Capacity – a lot of residents were failing to fill their bins and at a time when the aim was to reduce the level of packaging it was questioned if this level of capacity would ever be needed. The Councillor congratulated officers on the great job they had done in attempting to implement the policy. Felt the failure of the policy was with politicians. Called for residents to receive an apology and compensation.
Councillor Milton seconded the motion and reserved the right to speak.
The Mayor then called on Councillor Collins to speak. Highlighted that from the outset he had been clear that implementation of the new waste service would result in some disruption. The Councillor noted that the rollout of the new service had been a massive task and that there had been the inevitable teething problems. However, since the new service had started only 1% of bins had been missed from collections. Emphasised his gratitude to staff and talked about his pride to have worked with officers who had conducted more than 1,500 site surveys. Approximately 10,000 emails had been received and 6,000 enquiries all of which had been resolved by officers. As a result, around100 emails had been received praising the new waste service and staff. Thanked residents for their patience and understanding and called for staff and residents to continue to work together to get it right. Emphasised his opposition to the motion.
Councillor Degrads then spoke stating that the new service was focused on recycling which was a manifesto pledge due to the impact of plastic on the environment. The Councillor had participated in community clean-ups and had seen plastics in the borough’s rivers. Called on others to do the same and see the effect. The Councillor had spoken to residents who regarded the new service as doing more to encourage recycling than the previous arrangements. Emphasised the need to change as individuals and that Croydon had lead the way in changing behaviours.
Councillor Millson spoke in support of the motion and opened by stating his support for the Council’s recycling objectives. Highlighted that the motion was not opposed to the Council’s policy. Rather felt that there should have been more time to have consulted residents. Emphasised the need to have taken seriously the experience of residents who had missed collections for four weeks. For many this was the only direct service they receive for the tax they paid. If this had been another form of service, for example a utility, then there would have been an expectation of some form of compensation.
The motion was put to the vote and fell.