Enfield council in London has confirmed that it will introduce borough-wide additional licensing.

It is also seeking consent from the government to have selective licensing across 14 wards – such a large area that it requires permission from the Housing Secretary.

The council has given details of the licensing charges and – unusually – it’s revealed the high costs of administration behind licensing.

Data on the National Landlords’ Association website reveals that from September 1, Enfield council’s selective licensing will cost £600 per landlord with £260 for administrative costs and £340 to cover enforcement costs. 

Additional licensing will cost no less than £900, with £550 towards administrative costs while £350 will cover enforcement costs.

Over recent years there has been substantial criticism that council licensing schemes have effectively been little more than revenue raising exercises, with relatively little of the proceeds going towards actively improving the private rental sector.