Blackpool Council\u2019s new selective licensing scheme has prompted warnings from landlords about potential property sales, as the \u00a3772 per property fee creates financial pressure on smaller operators in the private rental sector.<\/p>\n
The scheme covers approximately 11,000 private rented homes across eight wards: Bloomfield, Brunswick, Claremont, Talbot, Tyldesley, Warbreck, Waterloo and Victoria. The council states the initiative aims to raise standards, tackle anti-social behaviour and address poor management and safety risks in areas with persistent housing issues.<\/p>\n
Cllr Emma Ellison raised concerns at a recent council meeting, stating she had been contacted by multiple landlords since the scheme\u2019s review. \u201cA lot of these landlords report that they are thinking of selling up the properties because there isn\u2019t any way they can pay these massive fees,\u201d Ellison said.<\/p>\n
The standard licence costs \u00a3772 per property for the five-year scheme, with discounts available. However, the full fee must be paid within the first year despite the licence\u2019s five-year duration. Ellison noted this structure creates particular difficulties for landlords in areas where properties are scheduled for demolition before the scheme concludes.<\/p>\n
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Ellison also highlighted concerns that costs could be passed to tenants, contradicting earlier assurances. She emphasised that many landlords are \u201cdoing a really good job and really looking after the tenants,\u201d countering perceptions of widespread poor practice in the sector.<\/p>\n
Cabinet Member Cllr Paula Burdess defended the scheme\u2019s structure whilst acknowledging financial pressures on some operators. Speaking to Lancs Live, Burdess stated: \u201cWhere there is genuine hardship, we will work with landlords to work out payment schemes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The scheme\u2019s implementation comes as private landlords across England face increasing regulatory requirements and costs. The outcome in Blackpool may provide indicators for similar schemes being considered by other local authorities in areas with comparable housing challenges.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Blackpool Council\u2019s new selective licensing scheme has prompted warnings from landlords about potential property sales, as the \u00a3772 per property fee creates financial pressure on smaller operators in the private rental sector. The scheme covers approximately 11,000 private rented homes across eight wards: Bloomfield, Brunswick, Claremont, Talbot, Tyldesley, Warbreck, Waterloo and Victoria. The council states […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8305,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8304","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-second-home"],"yoast_head":"\n