Update on the Essex Landlord Accreditation Scheme (ELAS), as previously discussed at Committee on the 9^th July 2014 (agenda item 7). To re-iterate the ELAS scheme has been setup to promote and encourage landlords of privately rented homes to manage their properties to a high standard. Local Authority involvement will help to achieve the best level of management and will enable effective engagement in terms of securing positive relationships to encourage improvement in local housing.

The Vice Chair and Acting Head of Housing attended the ELAS launch event on the 25^th September 2014 at Kelvedon Park, Essex. The event demonstrated the benefits of an integrated county-wide approach to engagement between Local Authorities and the private rented sector.

A Motion was MOVED by Cllr Carter and SECONDED by Cllr Mrs Davies to receive the recommendations as set out in the report. A vote was taken by a show of hands.  It was

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY to:-

2.1      The Committee is asked to note the contents of Appendix A below       [relating to legal questions arising out of the last meeting]; and   to approve and confirm Brentwood joining the Essex Landlord            Accreditation Scheme. 

2.2      The Committee is asked to approve the use of monies from the             Homelessness Prevention Fund to cover related setup    expenditure; to include such matters as marketing, press and           postage. The amount requiring approval is no greater than         £5,000 to cover related expenditure.