Landlords in Scunthorpe pursue legal challenge over proposed selective licensing scheme

A selective licensing scheme due to be implemented in Scunthorpe has been delayed following a legal challenge from local landlords seeking a judicial review of the decision.

The scheme, which was due to take effect on 20 March, was halted after the Crosby Landlords’ Association challenged the fairness of the decision, raising concerns over the financial burden that the licensing requirements would put on private housing providers.

The scheme would require private renting landlords to apply for a licence to operate, with rules that forced them to maintain smoke detectors, update gas certificates and tackle any anti-social behaviour related to their property.

The BBC's Local Democracy Reporting Service has revealed that the legal challenge focuses on whether the council followed due process, and not the merits of the tougher rules for landlords scheme itself.

North Lincolnshire Council predicted that the scheme would involve a fee of £955, paid by the landlord, to cover the five years of the selective licensing period.

A spokesperson for the Crosby Landlords’ Association told the Landlord Knowledge website: “We believe the scheme is unfair and disproportionate. A fee of £955 is a significant cost, especially for smaller landlords who are already facing rising costs from increased maintenance, regulatory changes, and higher interest rates.”

North Lincolnshire Council confirmed the legal challenge over the selective licensing scheme is ongoing but declined to comment at this stage.

The local authority also noted that the launch date for the scheme has been delayed.

The notice said further updates regarding the licence application processes, fees and deadlines will be made available on their website as soon as possible. The council is currently not accepting selective licence applications.

In January this year Barking and Dagenham Council said it would introduce a new selective licensing scheme next month (April) to improve the management and quality of private rental homes across the borough, after taking advantage of a change in legislation – announced in the English Devolution White Paper – that empowers councils to implement larger licensing schemes without seeking government approval.

Harry Rodd