Laura Sharman 24 January 2019

Report sets out how to make selective licensing more effective

Selective licensing schemes are helping to tackle dangerous properties but they could be more effective if the Government introduced some simple measures.

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) have analysed 20 schemes run by councils across England.

The report found that while it may be several years before tenants start to see results of the schemes, many are delivering significant benefits. They have identified high numbers of serious hazards and defects to be addressed, and some landlords are more willing to undertake work once licensing schemes had been set up in their areas.

However, it said the Government could make it even more effective by reviewing the way councils get approval for new schemes and giving councils more flexibility to set licence conditions for their area.

One of the authors, CIEH policy manager, Tamara Sandoul said: ‘Our analysis found that selective licensing schemes were effective at raising housing standards and removing hundreds of dangerous defects from privately rented homes. Tenants in licensed areas do not have to make a complaint in order to get a housing inspection from the council. This leads to many more defects being found and dealt with.

‘Our research also shows that licensing schemes like these appear to be incentivising landlords to carry out repairs quickly instead of waiting for the local authority to take formal action.

‘We believe that some simple changes to the way these schemes work as well as national registration of all landlords could help to make this tool for local authorities even more effective and widely used.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Public Health Principal

Oxfordshire County Council
£63576 - £67003
Oxfordshire County Council is seeking a skilled Public Health Principal for a full-time, fixed-term maternity cover. Based in Central Oxford with hybrid working (approximately two days per week in-office), this senior role leads the Live Well Promote and Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Senior Property and Asset Manager - Braintree District Council

Essex County Council
Negotiable
Senior Property and Asset Manager - Braintree District CouncilBraintree District CouncilPermanent, Full TimeFrom £65,433 to £71,436 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Projects Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Help shape the future of our borough - from idea to delivery, you'll lead projects that make our neighbourhoods greener, fairer and better places to l England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Deputy Procurement Manager

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,206 - £55,992 per annum
Can you see yourself playing an important role in leading the team who procure private sector properties (PRS) and long-term temporary accommodation for homeless families across Richmond and Wandsworth? If so, this is a unique opportunity to work for a gr London, Wandsworth
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner