A council is to consult on a new licensing scheme that aims to tackle rogue landlords in parts of Scunthorpe that are hotspots for anti-social behaviour, unsafe homes, and public health issues.

If approved, all landlords in the designated areas would have to apply for a license to be able to rent out homes.

North Lincolnshire councillor Richard Hannigan says: “The council tries to work with landlords to ensure they provide decent homes and that their tenants are not causing problems in their communities.

“But in some parts of North Lincolnshire this approach is not working with a few rogue landlords who are not working in the interests of their tenants and the communities they live in.

“A new licensing scheme in these areas would give the council more powers to intervene and protect tenants from poor accommodation and their neighbours from anti-social behaviour.

“We will consult on this new scheme in the coming weeks and if supported will have a new scheme in place as soon as possible.”

The areas covered by the licensing scheme would include Crosby, Town and Park wards and some streets in the Frodingham ward in Scunthorpe.