Council considers extending selective licensing scheme

A council has decided to press ahead with a public consultation on its selective licensing scheme.

Durham County Council has announced a 10-week consultation on whether its selective licensing scheme should go beyond March 2027.

The news comes after Great Yarmouth council was branded “deluded” by a landlord over its claims that selective licensing will not cause rent rises.

Provide additional support to landlords

The new selective licensing scheme would cover more than 20,000 properties in the area, covering 27% of the county.

Councillor Joe Quinn, cabinet member for planning, investment and assets, said: “In County Durham, we have a large private rental sector. In some areas, it is estimated that up to 60% of all homes are in the private rental sector. While many of these homes are good quality, much of the stock is older, not energy efficient, or in need of repair or refurbishment.

“A key priority in our County Durham Housing Strategy is to ensure everyone has access to appropriate, safe, and secure housing. One way in which we are achieving this is by ensuring effective landlord services through our selective licensing scheme.

“Over the last five years, the selective licensing scheme has allowed us to work closer with landlords and provide additional support to ensure their rental properties are of a high standard and meet the needs of residents.

“It has also allowed us, where needed, to take enforcement action when a landlord has failed to engage with the scheme and not provided safe housing for their tenants.”

The council has confirmed areas which are included in the current scheme but no longer meet the criteria for a designated area will be removed from April 2027.