8. Successful schemes in other areas 

Selective licensing has been successfully implemented in a number of areas across the country. There are 13 schemes currently operative, all at different stages of their designation. The following provides a summary of some of those schemes that have been running long enough to have carried out some evaluation of their scheme so far.

Middlesbrough

Selective Licensing in Middlesbrough was introduced in June 2007, and phased in on a ‘street by street’ basis in areas experiencing high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour.  The strategy was to challenge the private tenants and families causing anti social behaviour, encourage them to engage with support agencies, assist tenants to modify their behaviour and help them sustain their tenancy.  Support for families and/or individuals is an essential component of the intervention strategy.’  Middlesbrough update May 2010.

The evaluation document indicates that there has been a considerable increase in the uptake of the  services that Middlesbrough provide for landlords in particular the tenancy referencing service  where the requests for such  references have doubled to 150 per month. Implementation of the selective licensing scheme has led to increased engagement with landlords in the area.

Salford Pathfinder

There is some evidence that property prices within the nominated area have risen and property turn over has decreased across the project area.

Void rates have shown a clear downward trend. The reporting of ASB at first showed an increase which is thought to be because more people felt able to report incidents once the issue had been raised as part of the scheme and has subsequently fallen as a result of this intervention.

Gateshead  

There has been a dramatic increase in membership of the Landlords Association.  Almost half of the new members joining since July 2007 have properties in the Licensing area when the scheme became operational.

There has been a substantial increase in the number of accredited properties in the area. Currently 118 properties have reached this status in the area, resulting in more decent homes in the private rented sector. One third of all properties accredited in Gateshead in the last year are in the Licensing area.

Of those properties where works were carried out to bring up to the accreditation standard, landlords have on average spent over £2000 per property on improvements.

Both agents and landlords have generally shown more commitment to the area, improving properties, being more proactive with difficult tenants and participating in training events held by the Team to improve management skills.

Where deficiencies in the management of tenants and properties occur, these have been highlighted in the application process and are part of ongoing actions being carried out by the Team to safeguard tenants and improve property conditions.

Feedback from residents has been positive.

The scheme has complemented other works in the area particularly the block improvement schemes

Landlords have been quicker to respond to issues relating to anti social behaviour arising from their tenants, understanding that this may affect their status as a licence holder.

Thanet DC is fortunate that it has a positive relationship with a number of authorities that have already been through this process and can share best practice. There is also support from Local Government Regulation to guide the council through the designation.

Next: Conclusion

Back: Benefits of a designation

• How to apply
• Introduction
• The Profile
• Legislative Framework
• The Proposal
• Results of the consultation
• Enforcement and delivery
• Benefits of a designation
• Schemes in other areas
• Conclusion
• Appendix 1: Draft Proposal for consultation
• Appendix 2: Map and list of streets
• Appendix 3: Formal Notice to designate
• Appendix 4: Legislative framework

E-mail:

housing.conditions
@thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577437