A council is starting formal consultation on Selective Licensing which it claims will “clamp down on poor landlords” in part of the North East Lincolnshire council area. 

The council claims the areas where it will consult on Selective Licensing have significant problems with one part – East Marsh – being in the top 1% of most deprived wards in the country, with poor life expectancy and high crime rate. 

A council spokesperson says: “The borough has pockets of high deprivation, poor quality homes, low housing demand, high levels of anti-social behaviour and crime. The council has identified three areas which require intervention to improve living conditions in these areas.

“A selective licensing scheme, along with a robust and coordinated approach to enforcement, could be an effective way of improving conditions, encouraging inward investment, driving up housing standards and improving housing demand.

“Providing warm, safe and secure homes for people to live in is the very least we should expect for our residents, whether they are single occupants or families. Poor homes have a substantial effect on health and, with selective licensing, we would be saying to landlords that we will not tolerate neglect of our communities, and we are committed to building a better future for all our residents.”

The spokesperson continues: “These areas also face high levels of anti-social behaviour and crime, and in East Marsh, respiratory disease mortality rates are 95% higher than the national average, with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-related hospital admissions 229% higher. These challenges highlight the urgent need for action.

“The business plan for Selective Licensing is the result of months of collaboration by the cross-party working group and council officers, supported by detailed analysis and proven strategies from other successful schemes.

“The scheme aims to create a partnership between landlords, tenants, and the council to improve housing standards and provide better rental opportunities. It also seeks to address any harmful practices. 

“I’m delighted that cabinet has approved the next step of public consultation, inviting residents, landlords and stakeholders to share their views and work together to shape a better future for our community.”