Yes, although it has got a bit complicated, so let us try to explain.
From 28 May to 21 August 2019, the council consulted on plans to implement borough wide additional and selective licensing schemes. You can find out more information on the council’s website.
On 11 March 2020, the council approved plans for borough wide additional and selective licensing schemes and the Cabinet report can be read here.
Following a delay caused by the pandemic, the council made a borough wide additional licensing scheme designation on 29 October 2021 and the scheme started on 5 April 2022.
Meanwhile, Lewisham Council consulted on new selective licensing proposals from from 20 October 2021 to 4 February 2022. Due to concerns expressed about the consultation process, the council stopped that consultation early and launched a new selective licensing consultation from 21 January to 21 May 2022. The council is proposing three separate designations covering most of the borough, with only the Blackheath and Telegraph Hill wards excluded. You can find out more and take part in the consultation here.
Previously, a more restricted additional licensing scheme was introduced on 11 February 2017, although the implementation process did not run very smoothly. We will explain.
On 19 May 2015, a private rented sector licensing report was presented to Lewisham Council’s Housing Select Committee. The report set out proposals for an additional licensing scheme covering flats above commercial properties. This is where council officers said they had found the very worst housing conditions.
On 15 July 2015, a proposal to consult on an additional licensing scheme was approved by Mayor and Cabinet (read here - see item 242).
Lewisham Council conducted a licensing consultation from 2 September to 24 November 2015.
On 2 March 2016, a report was presented to the Mayor and Cabinet meeting (read here), recommending a borough wide additional licensing scheme for all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) above commercial premises and the recommendation was approved.
The report also noted proposals to dramatically increase the HMO licensing fees from £180 to £500, ‘per let unit’, increasing a licence for a 5-bed property for five single person lettings from £900 to £2,500, an increase of 278%!
In June 2016, Lewisham Council published a public notice announcing the licensing scheme that was set to come into force on 23 September 2016. However, due to errors in the implementation process, it was subsequently withdrawn.
A further report was presented to Mayor and Cabinet on 9 November 2016 (read here) and a replacement additional licensing public notice was published the following day. The scheme finally started on 11 February 2017.
There is clearly a lot going on at Lewisham so we will monitor the situation closely and keep you posted. For all the latest developments, you can sign up to our free newsletter.