The government has revealed that it has no plans to introduce a national licensing scheme for landlords.

Housing minister Chris Pincher MP made that clear in a written response to a question from the Labour MP for Warrington North, Charlotte Nicholls.

“The government is committed to delivering a private rented sector that works for everyone and balances the needs of landlords and tenants” Pincher said.

“The government has no current plans to introduce a centrally based licencing scheme for private landlords. We are working with local authorities to raise standards in the private rented sector.” 

He continued: “Local authorities must license Houses in Multiple Occupation where five or more people from two or more households share facilities. Local authorities also have the power to license different types of privately rented properties through additional licensing or selective licensing schemes.”

Groups including Generation Rent and Shelter have called for a national register of landlords