News

Selective licensing consultation in Tower Hamlets extended until 12 July 2015

Sunday, May 17th, 2015 -

Enquiries by London Property Licensing have revealed a one month extension to the selective licensing consultation in Tower Hamlets.

The 12 week consultation originally set to end on 7 June has now been extended until 12 July 2015. The proposed scheme would extend licensing to most private rented accommodation in:

  • Blackwall and Cubitt Town
  • Bow East
  • Bow West
  • Millwall
  • Spitalfields and Banglatown
  • Weavers
  • Whitechapel

The Council has arranged a series of drop in sessions to discuss the licensing proposal. The next batch of drop in sessions will take place at 6.30pm on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 17 June – Mulberry Place (Blackwall & Cubitt Town)
  • Monday 22 June – Idea Store Bow Whitechapel (Spitalfields & Banglatown)
  • Monday 29 June – Rowing Club (Millwall)
  • Monday 6 July – Idea Store (Bow East)

Tower Hamlets Council say that they want to use selective licensing to tackle anti-social behaviour, deal with poor housing standards and to assist in improving the overall management of rented accommodation.

Anyone who wants to take part in the survey can use the online form, or request a paper consultation form by calling the Council on 020 7364 5008 or email housinglicensing@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

In a further development, London Property Licensing has identified an approx. 23% increase in Tower Hamlets HMO licensing fees in 2015/16. The standard fee for a 3 year licence has risen from £422 to £520, with an extra £35 (previously £29) for each habitable room. This follows on from Islington’s 30% increase in HMO licence fee uncovered last month.

More information on property licensing in Tower Hamlets is available here.