Council launches consultation on proposed scheme to license privately rented properties

The council's cabinet recently voted to pursue plans for a Selective Licensing Scheme that aims to help ensure people have homes that are healthy, safe and efficient.

If it goes ahead next year, the scheme would last for five years and apply across the Nelson; Southtown and Cobholm; and Central and Northgate wards of the town - an area of about 5,000 homes covering 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: ''Selective licensing would help us improve standards and ensure properties are managed properly.

''However, to make sure the proposed scheme is as effective as possible, it is crucial we get as much feedback as we can. We are really keen to listen to people who rent their homes privately, landlords and the wider public.

''We want to engage with everyone, whether they support the scheme or have concerns about it. Feedback will be helpful in continuing to shape the proposals to maximise the improvements we are determined to make for people in Great Yarmouth.''

The consultation - which runs until September 1, 2025 - has been designed to be convenient for people to provide their thoughts in a variety of ways. There is an online survey, online focus groups and in-person drop-in sessions for people to ask questions and find out more about the proposed scheme.

The drop-in sessions will take place at the Town Hall in Great Yarmouth and everyone is welcome with no need to book in advance.

The sessions take place on:

·       Wednesday, June 25, from 2pm until 4pm

·       Wednesday, July 16, from 5.30pm until 7.30pm

·       Tuesday, August 12, from 5.30pm until 7.30pm

To join one of the online focus groups - one of which will be for landlords and agents (Friday, August 8, from 12.30pm until 1.30pm) and one for private tenants (Monday, August 11, from 12.30pm until 1.30pm) - please email slicence@great-yarmouth.gov.uk stating whether you are a landlord/agent or a tenant.

To have your say via the online survey please see: https://have-your-say.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/selective-licensing-consultation

To make sure as many people as possible can take part, the survey platform allows participants to answer questions by voice note. Hard copies of the survey can also be requested by emailing slicence@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.

Councillor Wells said: ''Some privately rented properties are in a poor condition and we are determined to improve standards. Bad housing has a detrimental impact on people and our residents deserve better where there are problems. Most landlords want to provide good-quality homes, but sadly that is not always the case.

''We already have some powers related to housing, but this scheme would allow us to better tackle health hazards and overcrowding by allowing the council 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.''

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.