Last ditch bid by officers to save council landlord licensing

Last ditch bid by officers to save council landlord licensing


Todays other news
A high profile lettings agency chief has issued a broadside...
The latest house price index is stronger than anticipated...
First time buyers rush to beat the April stamp duty...
A bungalow was turned into a 15-room unlicensed HMO...
The data comes from online agency Hello Neighbour...


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.”

Share this article ...

Join the conversation: Login and have your say

Want to comment on this story? Our focus is on providing a platform for you to share your insights and views and we welcome contributions. All comments are screened using specialist software and may be reviewed by our editorial team before publication. Landlord Today reserves the right to edit, withhold or delete comments that violate our guidelines, including those that harass, degrade, or intimidate others. Users who post such content may be banned from commenting.
By commenting, you agree to our Commenting Terms of Use.
6 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Recommended for you
Related Articles
The provider was the subject of a special investigation because...
The latest NRLA partnership covers utility management in rental properties...
This is the latest bid by Airbnb to be seen...
£5.9 billion has been spent to purchase UK properties through...
Council will pay part of tenants’ rent to private landlords...
A mortgage chief is warning that thousands of buy to...
The government says it will shortly start a formal consultation...
Recommended for you
Latest Features
There's a silver lining amidst the turbulence of being a...
Being lax on safety at Christmas can have disastrous consequences......
Experts give their views on the renovations that could add...
Sponsored Content

Send to a friend

In order to send this article to a friend you must first login. Click on the button below to login or sign up.

No one likes pop-ups ...
But while you're here