Environmental health officers are making a last ditch bid to save local council licensing.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health reckons that an amended Renters Reform Bill – being debated in the Commons today – would threaten the existence of council licensing regimes.

That’s because the government’s proposed property portal, which is a major part of the Bill, effectively undertakes the same task but in a more efficient and uniform manner.

An amendment tabled for the Bill would remove the ability of local housing authorities to designate areas as subject to selective licensing.

The CIEH claims licensing isn’t another layer of red tape but is valuable in its own right.

Louise Hosking, Executive Director, says: “We strongly disagree with suggestions that the proposed Property Portal removes the need for selective licensing schemes.

“Licensing provides a means for local authorities to inspect privately rented housing using enforceable conditions and to identify and resolve problems without the need for tenants to have complained.

“The Property Portal would collect valuable information but would not replace this service.

“The Renters Reform Bill should be used as an opportunity to remove unnecessary barriers to local authorities using licensing schemes to improve housing standards.”