4th
Dec 2023
A contentious licensing scheme was introduced on Friday 1st December one day after the council had declared ‘bankruptcy’.
Thursday evening 30th November Nottingham council issued a section 114 notice which in effect means it is unable to deliver what it terms as a balanced budget, a legal must for the year.
With the section 114 notice the council is unable to spend any money except for helping vulnerable members of the community and statutory services.
However although there were questions raised whether the new selective licensing scheme would still be introduced, the council carried on regardless.
As the second tier of the council’s licensing regime now covers an estimated 30,000 PRS homes across the majority of the city Housing Secretary Michaael Gove had to consent to the extension which he duly did over the summer.
Nottingham council controversial scheme because of the scale of its licensing scheme throughout the years, stated before announcing news of its section 114 notice, that the new extended scheme will tell tenants what they should expect from their landlords and likewise show landlords what their responsibilities are to their tenants.
The housing department released a statement regarding the scheme, saying: “It will be introduced into areas of the city where the council has gathered evidence of poorer property conditions.
“Rented properties are more likely to have dangerous hazards which could include electrical, gas, fire safety, damp and mould issues. Selective Licensing will help ensure these issues are addressed, as landlords of private rented properties in certain parts of the city must now meet a set of conditions and ensure good management of their properties.”
Since September 1st the council has been accepting agent and landlord applications for the licence.
Prior to the bankruptcy announcement the council’s housing spokesperson, Jay Hayes, said in a statement: “People in Nottingham have a right to expect a decent and safe standard of private rented accommodation, which is well managed and maintained. Having a licence will allow landlords to demonstrate that they provide decent quality accommodation for tenants, and we will work with landlords to support them to achieve the licence conditions.
“We believe the scheme will improve the reputation of private landlords, as well as Nottingham’s reputation for providing quality housing. The scheme is a major step forward in improving living standards for many Nottingham residents.”
Richard Merrick of PIMS, says: “ Unfortunately many tenants will end up having to pay for the licence to accommodate the councils’ shortfalls, however 30,000 contributions of between £887 per property down to £665 for accredited Landlords, may help the council’s coffers.”
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