News
Haringey Council to seek government approval for a large selective licensing scheme
On 9 March 2022, Haringey Council’s Cabinet approved plans for a large selective licensing scheme covering all private rented properties in twelve council wards.
The decision follows a public consultation exercise that took place from 17 May to 5 September 2021 (read here).
According to the council, the consultation attracted 956 responses with a further 70 people involved in workshops, interviews, etc.
Of those who took part in the consultation survey:
- 56% were in favour of our proposal to introduce a selective licensing scheme, whilst 34% disagreed.
- 58% believed the scheme would have a positive impact on the proposed areas, 46% believed the scheme would have a positive impact on nearby areas, and 43% believed the scheme would have a positive impact on themselves and/or their business or organisation.
- Over 70% believed anti-social behaviour, deprivation and poor-quality housing were problems in Haringey.
Having listened to consultation feedback and further reviewed the evidence base, the council have decided to exclude Stroud Green and Hornsey wards from the scheme.
Selective licensing scheme requires Secretary of State approval
As the proposed scheme exceeds 20% of the borough, and 20% of private rented properties in the borough, it will need to be approved by the Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Haringey Council will now submit a business case to the Secretary of State.
The proposed scheme would extend licensing to all private rented homes in the council wards of White Hart Lane, Northumberland Park, Bruce Grove, Seven Sisters, Tottenham Hale, Tottenham Green, St Ann’s, West Green, Harringay, Noel Park, Bounds Green and Woodside.
Subject to gaining government approval, the council hope to introduce the scheme by late Summer/ Autumn 2022.
Selective licensing fees set at below the London average
The council are proposing a selective licence application fee of £600 per property.
During an early bird licensing period, the fee would be reduced to £350.
Once the early bird fee period has ended, further discounts would be offered to accredited landlords and agents, and properties with an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above.
Cllr John Bevan, Haringey’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Licensing and Housing Services, said:
“More than a third of Haringey’s residents rent their home from a private landlord. The number of privately rented homes is increasing so we want to ensure all privately rented homes are decent, safe and compliant with regulations.
“We know that poor property conditions make deprivation worse as tenants have fewer choices about where they can live. Fuel poverty, overcrowding and poor living conditions have a detrimental impact on the lives and health of those living in sub-standard accommodation.
“Our proposed Selective Property Licensing Scheme provides the regulatory framework to support the many good landlords in Haringey, whilst also giving us the powers we need to tackle those landlords who do not comply.
“We look forward to hearing from the Secretary of State and hope that he agrees with our strong case for introducing a Selective Property Licensing Scheme in Haringey.“
The council say that regular updates will be posted on their dedicated webpage.
Our free guide containing more detailed information about property licensing and HMO planning restrictions in the London Borough of Haringey is available here.
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