Selective Licensing in Great Yarmouth – an Update!

Gt Yarmouth Borough Council are in the midst of holding their consultations for landlords, arranged to "seek the views of tenants, landlords, residents and all other stakeholders in relation to a proposed five-year selective property licensing scheme for parts of Great Yarmouth Borough".

https://have-your-say.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/selective-licensing-consultation

Wards affected under the proposed scheme are Nelson, Cobholm and Southtown, Central and Northgate wards and part of Yarmouth North ward

Following the recent focus groups, two of which have been held already, GYBC have invited landlords to attend their consultations to open the dialogue on the impact. The common theme of the discussions driven by the landlords viewpoint are around issues they will face as a result of the licensing scheme, including decisions which could result in, at worst, landlords leaving the market altogether and, at best, needing to increase their tenants rent to absorb the extra financial burden that will be imposed on them.

ELA found the environment rather difficult to air all our views and those views of the landlords we represent when we attended in person recently. We were therefore very pleased that James Wilson and Paul Swanborough of GYBC accepted our invitation to meet with them in a separate arena to discuss issues that landlords are fearful about, along with sharing some of our suggestions and proposals to improve the scheme.  Yesterday's meeting was incredibly positive between the two parties and focused primarily on how the rental market can be helped through the licensing scheme, with consideration of potential and possible amendments, which we feel would truly work for the benefit of the sector.

The dates for the remaining consultations consist of one final opportunity for landlords in person, along with additional online options for landlord/agents and private renting tenants:

• Friday 8th August - 12.30pm - 1.30pm - Landlords/Agents (online)

• Monday 11th August - 12.30pm - 1.30pm - Private renting tenants (online)

• Tuesday 12th August - 5.30pm - 7.30pm - Town Hall, Great Yarmouth

The Council state “when the consultation is concluded all comments will be considered and changes may be made to the proposal” so it is definitely worth your while to feedback your concerns and where possible, offer practical and helpful suggestions. 

https://have-your-say.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/selective-licensing-consultation/questionnaire

We have arranged with the Council to reconvene after the consultation period concludes on 1st September, allowing us to the opportunity to share further at some point thereafter.

Since the scheme hasn't been finalised yet, now is the perfect time to express your opinion. Naturally, ELA will keep promoting safer housing for tenants, improved standards, and fair rental prices, supporting any initiatives that achieve these goals. In most cases, landlords maintain their properties to high standards, are aware of their compliance responsibilities, and actively work to ensure the PRS remains a stable and reliable option for people.