A council that put a selective licensing scheme consultation on pause because of the pandemic has resumed the exercise. 

Oldham council says the virus impact on the consultation it began early last year meant it could not speak to and get the views of as many people as it would have wanted.

Councillor Hannah Roberts, with responsibility for housing, says: “Coronavirus has had a huge impact on Oldham, financially and socially, which meant the council has had to prioritise certain areas of work.

“It is nearly a year since we launched the selective licensing consultation so it is only right that we look at it again.

“The vast majority of our private landlords rent out decent properties and look after their tenants. Unfortunately, there is still a small number who fail to provide decent housing. That’s why we originally introduced the selective licensing scheme.

“Last time we asked people for their views, four out of five of the people who responded believed selective licensing would help improve the areas covered. Thankfully, they were right as we’ve been able to help out tenants and drive up standards.

“Any new scheme would mean landlords and tenants have to act responsibly or face possible action from the council.”

In 2015 the council introduced its selective licensing scheme for private landlords in eight areas. The existing scheme required all landlords to be registered with the council and to obtain a five-year licence which cost £490 per property.

Landlords or anyone else interested in the exercise can take part in the survey here.