Laura Sharman 21 March 2019

'Postcode lottery' for landlord licences is revealed

The most expensive landlord licencing schemes cost 21 times more than the cheapest ones, new research has revealed.

Analysis of licensing charges between local authorities by Direct Line for Business has revealed landlords face a ‘postcode lottery’ on prices. The cost of a new licence ranges from just £55 to £1,150.

Although landlord licensing schemes are mandatory in Scotland and Wales, only one in six English local authorities have a scheme in place.

On average, each council with a scheme in place raised £144,629 from landlord licensing schemes in 2017.

Matt Boatwright, head of Direct Line for Business, said: ‘Our analysis shows landlord licensing is truly a postcode lottery, with a phenomenal range of costs for those that do have to sign up for a scheme.’

In 2017, councils across the UK recorded an average 5,069 licensing offences, an increase of 46% since 2016 (3,476 offences).

In response, David Smith, policy director for the Residential Landlords Associationn said: 'Whatever the cost of licensing, it fails to provide any assurance about the quality of accommodation. The RLA’s own analysis shows that there is no clear link between a council having a licensing scheme in place and levels of enforcement against criminal landlords.

'The fundamental problem with all schemes is that it is only the good landlords who come forward to be licensed. They completely fail to identify the crooks.'

A fairer voting system image

A fairer voting system

Following the local elections, Dr Jess Garland, Electoral Reform Society, argues there is no excuse not to change the electoral system.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Specialist Teaching Assistant (or Communication Support Worker)

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £33366
About the role Together, we’re shaping children’s education for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire by providing children and young people with the best possible education. We a Deaf and Hearing Support Resource Base, New Marsto
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Education Access Specialist

Essex County Council
£42761.0000 - £50307.0000 per annum
Education Access SpecialistFixed Term, Full Time£42,761 to £50,307 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

EHCP Casework Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£44711 - £47754
About the Role We’ve transformed the way we help our communities to get the best outcomes possible for every child and family we work with. As part of this, we continue to invest in Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), with the growth of Samuelson House
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Technical Account Supervisor

North Yorkshire Council
£41,511- £45,718
Do you have experience in building surveying, project management or property management? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Education Access Specialist

Essex County Council
£42761.0000 - £50307.0000 per annum
Education Access SpecialistPermanent, Part Time£42,761 to £50,307 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner