18^th Nov 2018

A City Council has been blocked by the government (after receiving permission) to introduce its intended selective landlord licensing scheme in the New Year.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government had originally given the go ahead to Brighton and Hove City Council, to introduce the licensing scheme that was to come into force in February affecting many thousands of rental properties throughout its districts.

However the council had not taken into account the many landlords who were to be affected by the scheme, and as part of a south east association opposed it and have for the time being stopped its introduction.

The association achieved its aim by writing to both the government and the council and in its letter had stated that the selective licensing scheme was unlawful.

A statement from the association said: ‘We took this action because we felt the decision to license some 27,000 rental properties was unlawful, unnecessary and not justified by the evidence provided, and would almost certainly lead to rent increases for many private sector tenants in Brighton.

"Licensing was brought in 2006 to allow local councils to control a small area of rental properties being poorly managed and bringing that area into disrepute. We support licensing when used for that purpose.

"We cannot and have never supported the carte blanche licensing of large areas.

"We have previously offered to work with the council to help improve rental conditions for private sector tenants in the city, improve property conditions in a cost-effective manner where required, and most importantly identify the possibility of criminal landlords, and we repeat that offer."

Brighton and Hove City Council is at present engaged with the government to find out exactly why the permission had been withdrawn.

A council spokesperson said: ‘We’re extremely surprised and disappointed by this decision. As a matter of urgency, we will be seeking further clarification from the Government as to why they have changed their position on these only weeks after approving our scheme.

"The Government is still considering the case and we will of course assist them in any way we can."

The council's current Houses in Multiple Occupation schemes are still applicable.


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