Stockton-on-Tees is the latest council seeking people’s views on the introduction of Selective Licensing for private rented housing.

It launched a consultation this week, claiming the licensing was “part of its plans to drive up private rental property standards and management.”

Under the proposals, all private landlords operating in a designated Selective Licensing area would be required to obtain a licence from the council.

The licence would be valid for five years and would contain a series of conditions that the licence holder will be required to comply with.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing says: “Central Stockton and North Thornaby are areas in our Borough experiencing low housing demand and where the number of privately rented properties far exceeds the national average, so it’s really important that people tell us what they think about the Selective Licensing Scheme.

“Your responses will also help us to address issues faced by residents in Newtown, where there are high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour and again there are high concentrations of private rented housing. 

“All replies to the consultation will inform our decision-making, so I would urge everyone to complete the survey to share your thoughts.”