The High Court has for the second time  dismissed a judicial review of Thurrock council’s Selective Licensing Scheme.

The claimant had sought an oral hearing to challenge the High Court’s previous written decision to dismiss the claim on March 13 this year. 

That decision allowed the authority to start to implement the scheme.

The court has also ordered the claimant to pay the council £7,500 in costs, which will be used to fund council services.

A statement from the council says: “Selective Licensing is designed to improve housing standards in the borough’s private rented sector and ensure safer, better-quality housing for tenants. 

“We know most landlords will meet this standard, and the council will continue to work with landlords to fully implement the scheme following months of uncertainty caused by the claim.”

All private landlords operating within the designated areas listed below are required to obtain a licence to let their properties.

The Thurrock wards covered by the scheme are Aveley and Uplands, Belhus, Chadwell St Mary, Chafford and North Stifford, Corringham and Fobbing, East Tilbury, Grays Riverside, Grays Thurrock, Little Thurrock Rectory, Ockendon, South Chafford, Stanford East and Corringham Town, Stanford-le-Hope West, Tilbury Riverside and Thurrock Park, Tilbury St Chads, and West Thurrock and South Stifford.