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Selective licensing being considered in Stoke-on-Trent

People in Stoke-on-Trent are being invited to have their say on city council plans to designate 14 areas under ‘selective licensing laws’ for private landlords, as part of its plans to tackle poor property conditions and management practices in areas with high levels of private rented accommodation.

Following a recent consultation and feedback received, a number of changes are being made to the selective licensing proposals, including changes to the fees and payment arrangements, removing some of the selective licensing conditions, as well as changes to the ‘fit and proper person’ criteria.

Cllr Randy Conteh, Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s cabinet member for housing, communities and safer city, said: “We have received an incredible amount of feedback about the selective licensing proposals and officers have been working hard to analyse it.

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“We want people to know that the feedback is being considered very carefully, and we have suggested a number of changes to the proposals as a result – showing that we are listening to those who have taken the time to contact us.

“Some poor condition properties – leading to low demand and unsettled communities can along with other social and economic problems seriously undermine any efforts to build a thriving and prosperous city.

“This is why we are considering the introduction of selective licensing in these areas which have high levels of private rented accommodation and experience poor housing conditions and other issues. However, at this stage the decision as to whether or not to adopt the scheme has not been decided and ultimately Cabinet members will be making the final decision.”

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    Councillor Conteh advises that there has been an incredible amount of feedback to the authorities proposals. The authorities analysis records that from 4,700 households who received letters only
    86 responded.
    Including all residents and landlords within and outside the city , the total response was 393 from an estimated population in 2016 of 253,200.
    63% of respondents disagreed with the proposals , 29% disagreed & 8% had no option.
    320 full surveys were undertaken in unknown addresses of any tenure which has resulted in 4,766 properties now being listed as in areas with "poor housing conditions".
    "poor housing conditions" for many of these properties translates into "excess cold" which in turn translates into "low EPC ratings" The average EPC rating in these areas meets Government targets for 2025.
    If you are listening Councillor Conteh please listen to the majorities wishes .
    These are meant to be 14 individual schemes , why has the consultation lumped them all together, surely each individual schemes should be analysed separately?
    After all respondents were asked which areas they were commenting on.

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