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Victory for private rental sector as council scraps licensing proposal

A council has scrapped its proposal to introduce a licensing campaign for private sector landlords following large-scale opposition and the formation of a protest group. 

 

We reported earlier this month that Somerset Property Network had been formed consisting of over 50 landlords coming together in the course of little over one month. 

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The group had emerged via a Facebook campaign with its members angry about each of their properties facing a five-yearly charge of £350 if the licensing proposal goes through. 

 

The campaign was sponsored by an agency, TR Online Lettings.

 

Now in a statement released with little publicity on Friday, the council has backed down.

“North Somerset Council recently decided to introduce a licensing scheme to improve poor-quality private rented housing in Weston-super-Mare town centre, following a 20-week consultation period. This has been challenged by some local landlords who have suggested a number of other alternatives which the council has decided to consider” says the statement.

“As a result  the original scheme which was due to begin on November 1 this year, will not be progressed with. The council remains committed to driving up the standards of privately rented housing across North Somerset” it continues.

The statement concludes: “Once the additional feedback provided by landlords has been considered, a further review of the options available to the improve the condition of privately rented homes will be carried out.”

It is rare - although not unheard of - for local authorities to retreat from licensing plans, even in the face of large scale opposition. 

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