Council launches selective licensing consultation

Council launches selective licensing consultation

9:35 AM, 16th December 2024, About a month ago 4

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A council has launched a selective licensing consultation to clamp down on poor landlords and tackle damp and mould.

North East Lincolnshire council (NELC) want to introduce selective licensing in the East Marsh area.

The council claims the East Marsh area is in the top 1% of most deprived wards in the country.

Homes suffer from damp and mould

The licence would cover issues such as overcrowding and making the property safe. The council says a selective licence would ensure homes have essential safety measures installed, such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Landlords would also have to work with partners to tackle anti-social behaviour and management of waste at a property.

According to the council, many homes in the area suffer from severe damp and mould and inadequate heating.

The council says 24.6% of people live in fuel poverty in the East Marsh area.

Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe, chair of the Cabinet Working Party, says selective licensing will improve living conditions and tenant safety.

She said: “Significant challenges persist in the private rented sector across parts of the borough, particularly in the East Marsh, Heneage, and Sidney Sussex wards, where many homes suffer from appalling conditions, such as severe damp, mould-infested walls, inadequate heating, and hazards that threaten tenants’ safety.

“These areas also face high levels of anti-social behaviour and crime, and in East Marsh, respiratory disease mortality rates are 95% higher than the national average, with COPD-related hospital admissions 229% higher. These challenges highlight the urgent need for action.”

Partnership between landlords and tenants

Ms Aisthorpe adds: “The scheme aims to create a partnership between landlords, tenants, and the council to improve housing standards and provide better rental opportunities. It also seeks to address any harmful practices.

“I’m delighted that cabinet has approved the next step of public consultation, inviting residents, landlords and stakeholders to share their views and work together to shape a better future for our community.”

Further details of the consultation process and how to take part will be available in the New Year.


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Cider Drinker

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10:36 AM, 16th December 2024, About a month ago

Is it only privately rented properties that suffer from damp and mould?

If not, why is it only private tenants that are burdened with higher rents to cover Selective Licensing costs.

As the last few private tenants are evicted and their homes are sold to owner-occupiers, where will the Council next turn to help fill their coffers?

John Grefe

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11:20 AM, 16th December 2024, About a month ago

Cider Drinker 16th December'24 : Totally agree with you. This is the "two tier" system that this government of muppets seem to instigate!! If you voted for them,
(I didn't, don't have a short memory of Labour either.)
more fool you

Suzy Phelps

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14:24 PM, 16th December 2024, About a month ago

If a tenant is in 'fuel poverty', I take it they mean that they cannot afford their heating bills and so do not put the heating on. Therefor the house is not heated and presumably they are not ventilating due to the cold which results in mould and damp. Why should this the the landlords problem? Surely the government should step in?
Or, landlords will do bill inclusive rents, which would increase rent prices and leave tenants with no wiggle room in which to reduce fuel bills by efficient living.
I'm not sure how licencing (presumably this will also have a cost), will improve costs for renters. If it is now the landlords responsibility to pay utility bills then this should be the case for all properties, including council and housing association.

Cider Drinker

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16:36 PM, 16th December 2024, About 4 weeks ago

Reply to the comment left by John Grefe at 16/12/2024 - 11:20Not sure what you mean by the tone of your post.
For what’s its worth, I voted Reform at the last election.
I know how my tenants voted (according to Social Media). I’ll keep this in mind at their next rent review.
Welcome to two tier rent increases, brought to you by 2TCD.

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