Make Landlords of HMOs pay Council Tax or Business Rates

Cllr Shaun McGall recently signed a petition asking the Prime Minister to "Make Landlords of HMOs pay Council Tax or Business Rates."

The Prime Minister's Office has responded to that petition and they stated:-

"All property is assessed for taxation on the basis of its primary usage. Where it is used as a person's permanent residential accommodation it is classed as domestic and subject to the council tax. All other property, apart from certain exempt classes like agricultural premises, is treated as non-domestic and is subject to business rates.
Houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) are treated as domestic property and are subject to council tax. However, it is the owners of HMOs, not the residents, who are liable for council tax. The Government has no plans to make owners of HMOs liable for business rates. To do so would mean treating them differently from other domestic property.
Properties occupied solely by students, regardless of whether it is a HMO or not, are exempt from council tax. This exemption is designed to benefit students, not landlords, because, in general, students are not normally entitled to income related benefits such as housing and council tax benefit.
The distribution of formula grant to local authorities in England takes account of the circumstances of each authority's area and its relative ability to pay council tax, expressed in terms of the council tax base. The calculation of a council's tax base does take account of exempt student properties. Other things being equal, the smaller the council tax base of a council's area, the larger its formula grant. This effect is modified, however, by the application of grant "floors"; that is, a guaranteed minimum percentage increase in grant each year on a like-for-like basis."

To see the actual petition click here.

Cllr McGall is obviously disappointed with this response from the Labour Government. Communties like Oldfield Park in University towns and cities across the country are being affected by the growth in numbers of HMOs and the associated issues of: bad landlords, unkept gardens and properties, late night noise, increased pressure on parking, poor refuse and recycling management by some tentants and changes in the business and retail mix to cater for this section of society.

The issue isn't about students but the over concertration of HMOs with a small geographical area. The national planning law on Use Class Orders must be changed to allow local councils to reflect local concerns and set limits on the number of HMOs in a particular street, or geographical area.

Central and local government most act to promote sustainable, balanced communities in which long term residents and tentants in HMOs can live together without street upon street turned over to the buy-to-let market.

Planning Applications in Oldfield Ward w/c 07/09/07

All representation must arrive no later than the 4th October 2007.

App Ref: 07/02689/FUL
Registered: 28th August 2007
Expiry Date: 23rd October 2007
Location: 184 Englishcombe Lane, Bath. BA2 2EN
Grid Ref: (E)373236 - (N)163374
Proposal: Erection of a single storey porch and wc extension
Planning Case Officer: Alice Barnes
Applicant: Ms C Thomas, 184 Englishcombe Lane, Bath. BA2 2EN
Agent: Reysa Ltd, Jackson Cottage, High Street, Rowde, Devizes. SN10 2PH

To find out more about this application click here.

All representation must arrive no later than the 4th October 2007.

App Ref: 07/02712/FUL
Registered: 30th August 2007
Expiry Date: 25th October 2007
Location: 105 Englishcombe Lane, Bath. BA2 2EH
Grid Ref: (E)373560 - (N)163305
Proposal: Erection of a conservatory to rear
Planning Case Officer: John Gregory
Applicant: Mrs M Carey, 105 Englishcombe Lane, Bath. BA2 2EH
Agent: No Agent

To find out more about this application click here.

Organic Waste & Card Collection Problems - 3rd September 2007

The organic waste and cardboard collection in parts of Oldfield Park was disrupted on the 3rd September. This is due to the volume of waste presented this collection route and a mechanical breakdown the round was unable to be completed. An additional vehicle will be used tomorrow to complete the collection on The Oval.

If you have any problems, please contact Council Contect on (01225) 39 40 41

Redevelopment of the George Yeo site, Lower Bristol Road - Emerging Plans on display 7th and 8th September

UNITE, a provider of student accommodation, has plans to redevelopthe derelict George Yeo site into purpose built, student homes. Although this application is in Westmoreland Ward, we thought that many local residents and businesses in Oldfield Ward would have views and comments on this proposal.

The emerging proposals are for 60 student apartments (comprising 290 bed spaces) and 35 studies, positioned around a central courtyard. The plans also include the creation of an enhanced riverside wallway and landscaping across the site.

If susccessful, the George Yeo schem will be the first built by UNITE to the 'eco excellent' standard.

Information Days are being held in the Reception Area at Waterside Court, Lower Bristol Road, at the following times:

Friday 7th September 12 noon to 7.00 p.m. AND Saturday 8th September 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

At the event staff will be on hand to listen to the views and comments of lcoal residents on the plans . UNITE state that they will review this feedback they recieve before sumbitting a planning application to the Council.

If you are unable to attend the event and want to know more, please contact Emily Annable on 0207 357 6606.

Bath Half Marathon - Palm Sunday, 16th March 2008

We have been contacted by Running High Events Ltd, on behalf of the Bath Half 2008 about the proposed traffic and parking arrangements.

This means parking suspensions in parts of Oldfield Ward to allow for certain roads use as designated bus diversion routes.

The organisers have noted the complaints and problems caused this year in Oldfield Ward regarding the inadequate notice to local residents and they have therefore reviewed the arrangement for the removal of unauthorised vehicles.

It us proposed that in 2008 the notice period for advance warning signs to be erected on all effected parking bays should be increased to 8 weeks before the event, and that notification letters will be provided to all commerical and residential properties on the designated bus and emergency services access routes.

If you have any cooments on the proposals, or suggestions as to how arrangements for the event could be improved, please let us know.

Planning Applications in Oldfield Ward w/c 31/08/07

All representation must arrive no later than the 22nd September 2007.

App Ref: 07/02669/FUL
Registered: 23rd August 2007
Expiry Date: 18th October 2007
Location: 39 Winchester Road, Oldfield Park, Bath. BA2 3LF
Grid Ref: (E)373905 - (N)164237
Proposal: Change of use of workshop/coach house into living accommodation ancillary to existing dwelling (Resubmission)
Planning Case Officer: Richard Stott
Applicant: Mr Brian Parkin, 39 Winchester Road, Oldfield Park, Bath. BA2 3LF
Agent: No Agent

To find out more about this application click here.

Tackling climate change

Bath & North East Somerset Council and the University of Bath are looking to work with business to make an impact on climate change.

It has been estimated that small and medium sized businesses make a significant contribution to global environmental pollution but often do not have the resources to understand and act on the sustainability priorities of their business. The University of Bath in conjunction with Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking businesses with less than 250 employees to participate in a 3 year project. The project will help the businesses involved to cost effectively reduce their environmental impact whilst making savings themselves. It will also determine what can be done to improve the regional performance of businesses and provide the businesses the opportunity to access specialist knowledge and support.

The UK Energy White Paper and Draft Climate Change Bill demonstrate that business has a key role in delivering UK targets and must act now to ensure long term sustainability. It has also has indicated that “many firms recognise the benefits that investment in energy efficiency can bring, through lower costs, improved competitiveness and improved social and corporate standing. However, short-term cost considerations, lack of information and market failures can act as barriers to investment.”

Are you able to lead the challenge? For further information or to register an interest in participating please contact Kate Jenner at Bath & North East Somerset Council on 01225 477 573 or katherine_jenner@bathnes.gov.uk

Financial help for home owners

Are you a home owner of two years or more and on a low income?

If so you may be eligible for financial assistance through Bath & North East Somerset Council in the form of a low cost or zero interest loan.

Essential works such as to fix a leaking roof, remedy dampness or unsafe electrics and ensure the property meets the Decent Homes Standard could be eligible for this assistance.

For example a home owner in Combe Down who was 64 and on a very low income had a loan of £7,700 to replace rotted windows with double glazed units and install central heating. These improvements have made a big difference to the owner’s life. She will not need to pay back to money until the house is sold or inherited.

If you are not eligible for assistance from the Council, officers may be able to direct you to other agencies that can offer practical help and advice.

For an informal chat about this type of help please call the Housing Improvement Team on 01225 396216.