Coventry Council has been slammed by landlords because of its decision to plough ahead with its new landlord licensing plans and refusing to take any notice of the government’s coronavirus’ health guidelines.

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The council’s plan to implement its new, non-mandatory licensing schemes should be deferred but nevertheless it is still determined to introduce its new schemes during May.

A spokesperson for a group of landlords, said: “The guidelines are there to protect tenants and landlords from unnecessary contact.

“Where a licensing scheme is introduced, landlords have to go into their properties to check that they meet the licensing obligation and maybe need to carry out non-essential works. This exposes them and the tenants to an enhanced risk of contagion.

“Several local authorities have done the right thing and paused the introduction of new licensing schemes in response to the crisis including Luton and Newcastle and we are asking Coventry to do the same.

“It would be thoroughly irresponsible of the Council to ignore the guidelines and go ahead with their plans.”

The trade body has written to the City council asking them to delay the scheme’s implementation during May.

Richard Merrick of PIMS, said: “It’s so reassuring to see that it isn’t only the Government’s key health advisor on lockdown restrictions that decides to flout the rules.

“It seems that this councils wants to be supportive of Covid idiots in ignoring guidelines and putting lives at risk.”