CIEH concerned about threats to the future of selective licensing

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has expressed concern about threats to the future of selective licensing.

Selective licensing schemes involve designated areas where privately rented properties have to be licensed with the local authority.

An amendment to the Renters (Reform) Bill tabled by Conservative backbenchers would remove the ability of local housing authorities to designate areas as subject to selective licensing.

A BBC report now says the Government has promised to announce a review of selective licensing “with the explicit aim of reducing burdens on landlords”.

CIEH says that licensing provides the only means for local authorities proactively to inspect privately rented housing, removing the need for tenants to have complained.

Louise Hosking, Executive Director of Environmental Health at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, said:

“We are concerned by suggestions that the proposed Property Portal removes the need for selective licensing schemes. Licensing is a systematic and proactive approach to improving housing standards rather than just collection of information.

We believe that the Government, far from watering down selective licensing, should be removing unnecessary barriers to local authorities using licensing schemes to improve housing standards.”