Yet another council introduces selective licensing regime

Wirral council is the latest authority to introduced a selective licensing scheme, in this case covering parts of Birkenhead and Wallasey.

It will come into force on July 1 in Egerton North, Birkenhead South, Seacombe Library and Egremont Promenade South and will last for five years, according to the council.

It will require landlords who privately rent out properties in the designated areas to obtain a license from the Council. They will need to show basic safety checks have been carried out and they have appropriate management arrangements in place.

Standard fees for licences are set at £695 for the full duration of the scheme. Discounts are available for landlords who attain licences within the first three months of the scheme - or three months of buying a property in a designated area - or have accredited properties.

Industry bodies opposed the introduction of the scheme during the consultation period, but a council spokesman says: Tenants renting private accommodation have the right to expect safe, well managed homes and this scheme will help to deliver that and help to increase demand for housing in these areas. There are a lot of good private landlords in Wirral who recognise their responsibilities to their tenants, but we need to do more to deal with those who don't.