Lambeth councillors in London have voted to extend the borough’s selective licensing scheme to 23 of its 25 wards.

This follows a trial in four wards earlier this year.

Councillors gave the green light for the extension of the selective licensing scheme after a 12-week consultation; the council has now written to Housing Secretary Angela Rayner for approval. 

Selective licensing was originally approved by Lambeth’s cabinet in May, and was introduced in four wards in September. 

A spokesperson says: “We believe good quality housing is a right. Private Renting is often the only option for residents who can’t access social housing.

“Whilst most landlords provide good, safe accommodation, there are some who take advantage of tenants, or don’t know what their responsibilities are. That is why it’s important that the full range of powers is not only available to the Council, but readily used.

“We are committed to working with good landlords, helping them understand the legislative requirements; but we’re also committed to tackling those landlords that refuse to provide safe and healthy housing for tenants in Lambeth.”

Around a third of the 144,985 residential dwellings in Lambeth are in the Private Rented Sector, and official data has shown that over 9,446 of these are predicted to have a serious home hazard. The council has also received over 10,000 complaints of ASB-related incidents in the PRS over a three-year period.

Each licence will cost £923, covering the cost of administering the licence over a five-year period, and managing and enforcing the licensing regime.