Liverpool’s Labour council is proposing what may be the most complicated licensing regimes in the country – and one of the most expensive.
It’s consulting until October on a new selective licensing scheme which would apply across the entire city to replace the current system which ends next March.
Since the current scheme launched in April 2022, more than 56,000 licence applications have been received and over 48,000 licences granted.
More than 19,000 inspections have been carried out, uncovering over 3,500 housing hazards and leading to more than 1,100 enforcement notices.
No fewer than 12 different fees proposed, up to £995 per property.
The three broad options being consulted on are:
- Citywide scheme (64 wards) – Introduce Selective Licensing across all Liverpool wards to tackle issues linked to low housing demand and provide consistent standards across the city;
- Deprivation-based scheme (29 wards) – Focus licensing on areas experiencing some of the highest levels of deprivation, where poor housing conditions and wider social challenges are more prevalent;
- Poor Property Conditions scheme (26 wards) – Target areas with higher concentrations of private rented housing and evidence of poorer housing conditions and disrepair.
The consultation is also seeking views on proposed licence conditions, fees and discounts.
