In October 2021 we reached out to our Landlords informing them of the Selective Licensing scheme that started in 2016 had come to an end. However, Peterborough City Council are now considering whether to make an application to the Secretary of State for a new scheme.
What is Selective Licensing?
Selective Licensing gives councils the right to require residential landlords to obtain a licence in order to let property to tenants within a designated area. The idea behind these schemes is to improve the management and condition of private rented properties to support the reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour.
What are the council proposing for the new scheme?
Using council tax data, assessment has been carried out in areas which:
- Have a higher percentage of private accommodation than the Peterborough average (25.3%)
- Meet at least 5 of the 5 criteria for selective licensing to be introduced:
- Low housing demand (or is likely to become such an area)
- A significant or persistent problem caused by anti-social behaviour
- Poor property conditions
- High levels of migration
- High levels of deprivation
- High levels of crime
As a result of this analysis, the council is proposing to designate parts of Bretton, Central, East, Fletton & Woodston, Fletton & Stanground, Paston & Walton, North, Orton Waterville, Park and Stanground South wards as selective licensing areas. You can view these using Peterborough City Council’s interactive, searchable map online here.
Director of Sales & Lettings for Belvoir Peterborough, Lottie Hostead said, “Selective licensing is intended to address the negative impact of poor-quality rented accommodations on tenants and communities and to reduce levels of antisocial behaviour. We completely support the goals of Selective licensing. We are looking forward to understanding the new terms of the selective licensing scheme in Peterborough and as with past schemes we will work closely with the local authority and aim to make application easy for our landlord clients by submitting on their behalf where we are allowed to do so. Working together the council, agents and landlords can use the scheme to ensure quality housing in the private rented sector. If anyone needs advice on meeting the requirements of the new scheme we invite you to reach out to our experienced team”
How can you have your say?
The council is required to consultation with those landlords affected by the proposals to obtain feedback before they can submit an application to renew the scheme.
They have a dedicated area on their website here, where you can find out more, including answers to frequently asked questions, a copy of their consultation document, details of our programme of consultation webinars, and a link to the online feedback form.
