Liverpool landlords urged to have their say on fresh licensing plans
Landlords are being urged to make their views heard on fresh plans to introduce a large selective licensing scheme in Liverpool.
Liverpool City Council has today launched a twelve week consultation inviting views on plans to introduce the scheme next summer, covering sixteen out of thirty wards in the city.
That's around 80% of privately rented properties in Liverpool.
Should the plans be given the go ahead, landlords with properties in the designated areas would be required to apply for a five year licence from the council in order to continue to let their property out lawfully.
The designated areas include: Central, Riverside, Greenbank, Kensington, Picton, Tuebrook & Stoneycroft, County, Anfield, St Michael’s, Princes Park, Kirkdale, Old Swan, Warbreck, Wavertree, Fazakerley and Everton.
Government approval needed
As with all proposed selective licensing schemes covering 80% or more of an area, if the plans are approved by the council’s Cabinet, the scheme will then need to be given the go ahead by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.
As some NRLA members will be aware, this is the second time the council has consulted on licensing plans in as many years.
Last year, Liverpool City Council consulted on plans to renew a city wide selective licensing scheme for another five years, after it expired in March 2020. While the council's cabinet approved the plans, the proposals were blocked by the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick in January. According to the council this was because of a lack of evidence included in the proposals to show low housing demand across the city.
Have your say on the plans
The proposed fee ranges from £300 to £570 per property, depending on the type of licence applied for.
Liverpool City Council’s selective licensing consultation launched on Monday 3rd August, and it is set to run for twelve weeks until 26th October 2020. To read more about the proposals and respond to the consultation, click here.
WATCH: Liverpool City Council has notified the NRLA of an upcoming virtual Housing Select Committee meeting on 19th August at 5pm , during which this consultation will be discussed in detail. There is an opportunity to watch proceedings live.
