The BBC and local media in Lincolnshire are reporting that a council licensing scheme has been delayed by a legal challenge.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reports that North Lincolnshire council agreed to bring in selective licensing in some wards last autumn but the start date – which should have been March 20 – has now been pushed back.,

A legal challenge was lodged by Crosby Landlords’ Association, which is calling for a judicial review of the decision to create the scheme.

The council expected landlords to pay a fee of £955 for five years.

But the council’s website now says: “The launch date for the Selective Licensing Scheme has been delayed. We will release the new date as soon as it is available. The council is currently not accepting Selective Licence applications. The council will ensure that Landlords are provided with a reasonable time period in which to submit applications and further updates regarding the Licence Application processes/fees and deadlines will be made available on this page as soon as possible.”

The website also claims: “The introduction of Selective Licensing in North Lincolnshire will make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of residents and demonstrates North Lincolnshire Council’s commitment to tackling health inequalities through focussing on the wider determinants of health. All landlords of private rented homes in the selective licensing area will have to apply for a licence. Failure to do so will be an offence.

“The council wants to work with residents, tenants and landlords in the area and to discuss how the scheme will be introduced and further updates will be made available on this page.”