Council considers introducing selective licensing scheme

A local council is planning to crackdown on rogue landlords by potentially introducing a selective licensing scheme, it has been revealed.

Barrow-in-Furness Borough Council wants to use the licensing plan to put private landlords under greater scrutiny to help address poor quality housing in the private rented sector and anti-social tenants locally, particularly in the Egerton Court area.

Under the terms of the initial proposals, buy-to-let landlords would be required to obtain a licence allowing them to rent out properties in the borough.

Councillor Alec Proffitt said: “The question of utilising selective licensing will be discussed over the coming weeks and is one of a number of suggestions for improving quality of life and reducing anti-social behaviour in Egerton Court. 

“Personally, I believe it would be hugely beneficial in tying landlords into enforceable standards and encouraging responsible tenancy.

“However, the decision will be evidence-based and is, as ever, dependant upon the relevant local authorities having sufficient resources to effectively deliver the scheme.

 “It highlights the difficulties that we have in local government, trying to improve communities and lives with ever decreasing finances and resources.”

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