Great Yarmouth Borough Council proposes new licensing scheme to help improve homes

Members of the council's cabinet will consider the proposals at a meeting on June 3 and, if agreed, there will be a detailed public consultation so any alterations can be included ahead of a further council vote on whether to proceed with the scheme's introduction next year.

If it goes ahead, the Selective Property Licensing Scheme would last for five years and apply across the Nelson; Cobholm and Southtown; and Central and Northgate wards of the town - An area of about 5,000 homes and about 60 per cent of the borough's privately rented properties.

Councillor Paul Wells, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability, Waste and Licensing, said: ''If introduced, selective licensing would help us improve housing standards in privately rented accommodation and ensure properties are managed properly.

''Generally, we have responsible landlords, but not everyone has a home that is safe, warm and good quality. This scheme would mean landlords must comply with a number of licence conditions.

''We know some privately rented properties are in a poor condition and we are determined to try to improve standards. Bad housing has a detrimental impact on the lives of people and our residents deserve better where there are problems.''

Before drawing up its proposals, the council carried out a detailed feasibility study which included gathering and analysing data about demographics and the condition of rental accommodation in the borough.

The proposals follow a previous selective licensing scheme covering most of Nelson Ward that was in place between 2019 and 2024 which regulated more than 1,500 privately rented homes.

Officers said that scheme led to considerable improvements and, working with landlords, the council helped them understand their responsibilities and what good property management looks like.

Councillor Wells said: ''Most landlords are good ones, and want to provide good-quality homes, but sadly not all are. It is not acceptable that they get away with providing sub-standard accommodation for the people of the borough.

''We already have some powers related to housing, but this scheme will allow us to more effectively deal with a range of issues that impact people. We will be better able to tackle health hazards and overcrowding - which is a real problem for some of our residents.

''We would be able to systematically inspect properties to make sure things like gas and electric certification are up to date, rather than simply reacting to complaints as we currently do.

''Where necessary, we could refuse to issue a licence and hold people accountable. We know the majority of landlords want to do the best they can for tenants, and we want to better engage with them and agents to ensure people have good housing.''

If introduced, the scheme would not be allowed to make a profit and the costs of running it would be covered by a proposed licence fee of £784 for landlords.