Your licensing update for July
It has been a busy few weeks in terms of licensing news. Several councils have launched consultations this month following a relatively quieter period in May, while local elections took place.
Licensing was approved by East Staffordshire Borough Council this month, following a consultation that ran earlier in the year. The selective licensing scheme will come into force on 12th September 2022 and will run for five years.
It is estimated the designation will apply to approximately 750 private rented homes within Burton upon Trent, the full list of streets can be read online here.
Another selective licensing designation given the go ahead this month was in the Eccles, Barton and Winton wards of Salford. This scheme will also last for five years and will commence on 1st September. The council has published the full list of streets covered by the designation, but has advised that anyone unsure if their property is covered should get in touch with them directly.
And finally, the UK Government published updated guidance explaining the criteria for making a selective licensing scheme this month, specifically an updated form for local councils.
The NRLA aims to respond to all local authority property licensing consultations. Need guidance on responding to a consultation? Read our toolkit exclusive for NRLA members. The usual roundup of live consultations this month can be read below.
Current licensing consultations
Nottingham-selective licensing (closes 22nd August 2022)
In last month’s bulletin, we reported that Nottingham Council had announced a plan to consult on selective licensing proposals.
This month, the consultation went live, with landlords and members of the public invited to share their views on the plans that would affect many privately rented properties across the city.
In addition to responding to the consultation, the council is inviting those who wish to find out more to register for an online or in person event during the consultation period. Details on these events, and how to respond directly to this consultation, can be read online here.
Sefton: selective licensing and additional licensing consultation (closes 31st July)
Sefton Council is currently running a consultation on the introduction of both a selective and additional licensing scheme. The consultation is around whether the current schemes should be extended for a further five years, until 2028. Read more and have your say.
Portsmouth additional HMO licensing consultation (closes 31st July 2022)
There is also still another month for landlords to respond to a consultation Portsmouth City Council launched, about plans to introduce a borough wide additional HMO licensing scheme.
It is estimated 4,800 HMO properties would fall under the scheme, with an estimated 1,200 already affected by mandatory HMO licensing. For more information and to respond directly, click here.
Manchester: expansion of current licensing scheme
A public consultation launched on 21st June seeking opinions on the proposed expansion of Selective Licensing to four new areas of Manchester – covering more than 1,400 homes. Selective licensing is already operating in Crumpsall, Old Moat, Moston and Rusholme. To learn more, click here.
- Keep up-to-date with property licensing consultations and schemes via NRLA Licensing Support, powered by Kamma. Learn more here.