Proposed Selective Licensing scheme covering private rented properties in the borough

Status:

Closed consultation

Start date:

06 October 2025

Closing date:

28 December 2025

Since 2020, we have introduced licensing schemes to raise standards in the private rented sector. These include borough-wide Additional (HMO) Licensing of smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and a Selective Licensing Scheme across 14 wards (areas). Under the Selective Licensing Scheme, most privately rented homes—whether let to a single family, a single person, or two unrelated individuals sharing—require a selective licence.

The current Selective Licensing Scheme is due to end in August 2026.  The Scheme has been effective in improving housing conditions and reducing anti-social behaviour. While the Scheme has seen significant improvements, we believe, having reviewed a range of evidence, that licensing is the most effective way to continue to maintain and improve housing standards and management of properties that are privately rented to single-family households.

Our proposal

We proposed a new Selective Licensing Scheme to be introduced in September 2026 for up to five years, which would cover 17 wards in the borough that meet the required criteria and would benefit from having a Selective Licensing Scheme in place. The 17 wards would be covered by two designations and shown on the map (link in key documents section).

The Council believes that the proposed scheme would have a number of benefits to residents, tenants, landlords and the wider community. Full details of the proposal, including the supporting evidence pack, the proposed licence conditions and fees and discounts, were included in the Key documents section (see below).

A decision on the proposal will be made by Cabinet in Spring 2026.

Before making a decision, we asked to hear your views about the proposal and any alternatives that we should consider.

Who could share their views

We  specifically wanted to hear from private tenants, landlords, letting and managing agents, borough residents, businesses, and organisations operating in the borough and the surrounding areas.

How you shared your views

We asked for views to be shared via:

• Online questionnaire
• Email
• Telephone
• Online consultation meetings (x3)

Closing date

The consultation ran for 12 weeks, closing on Sunday, 28 December 2025 (11.59pm).

Key documents 

• Selective Licensing Consultation Evidence Pack (PDF)
• Housing Stock Condition & Stressors Report Metastreet 2025 (PDF)
• Proposed Schedule of fees charges and discounts (PDF)
• Proposed Selective Licence Conditions (PDF)
• Map showing proposed Selective Licensing designations (PDF)