Licensing scheme for landlords is expanded

PLANS to expand a controversial selective licensing scheme for housing landlords in Hyndburn have been approved by the government.

The new five-year scheme will come into effect in March 2018 and cover additional areas in West Accrington, Church, Spring Hill, Peel and Accrington town centre.

The Observer revealed in July how Hyndburn council used emergency powers at an urgent cabinet meeting to approve the renewal and expansion of the scheme.

Council chiefs denied claims they tried to get the plans in ‘through the back door’ following criticisms from the Hyndburn Landlords Group and insisted they ‘followed all the legal requirements and guidelines’.

The council introduced the £1.1m standards improvement scheme in 2012 to cover around 4,850 properties in Accrington and Church.

Bosses argue selective licensing helps to tackle low housing demand and requires landlords to comply with a range of conditions to ‘ensure good property management’. The existing five-year scheme ended last month and has seen more than 1,500 properties licensed since 2012.

The council’s decision to expand the scheme was referred to the government and has been given the green light.

Anyone who controls or manages a house in the designated area will now be required to obtain a licence by March 5, 2018 or face a civil penalty of up to £30,000.

Councillor Clare Cleary, cabinet member for housing, said: “Licensing over the past five years has seen more private landlords adopt a professional approach through meeting specified standards and landlord training. A new designation will continue to underpin this approach, ensuring standards are maintained.”

Licence application packs will be available from January 24, 2018. For more information visit the council’s website or call 01254 388111.