News
Greenwich Council pause selective licensing consultation in response to COVID19
A public consultation seeking views on a proposed selective licensing scheme in the Royal Borough of Greenwich has been paused as a result of the COVID19 situation.
The consultation involved plans to extend licensing to all privately rented properties in Woolwich Common, Glyndon, Woolwich Riverside, Shooters Hill and Plumstead council wards.
The council already operates a borough wide additional licensing scheme that has extended licensing to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
According to the council, the private rented sector has grown considerably during recent years and whilst they acknowledge most private landlords provide a decent service, there are still some private properties that are badly managed. The selective licensing scheme is designed to improve standards in private rented single-family properties and reduce anti-social behaviour, deprivation and crime.
The consultation started on 17 February 2020 and was due to continue until 26 April 2020. Whilst the council’s website indicates the consultation is still live at time of publication, the link to take part in the consultation takes you to the MEL Research website (here) which states:
“Because of the coronavirus situation, this consultation is currently paused. It will resume in future. To view the consultation documents and to have your say, please return in the weeks ahead“.
It is not known exactly when the consultation was paused, nor how long the new consultation period will be.
The decision by Royal Borough of Greenwich to pause the consultation will be welcomed by many in the lettings industry and represents a pragmatic approach to focus resources on maintaining essential services.
On 18 March 2020, safeagent had called for all licensing schemes not yet in force to be delayed and reviewed again in six months’ time (read here).
A free guide containing more detailed information about property licensing in the Royal Borough of Greenwich is available here.
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