Brighton & Hove Council has been forced to halt plans for its new selective licensing scheme following a legal challenge.

The extension - in Central Hove and Regency wards – was due to go live later this month but the authority is now reviewing its next steps and has also postponed planned landlord engagement events around the launch.

Brighton isn’t the only council to have had to halt its licensing plans. Last month, Telford and Wrekin Council put its planned additional licensing scheme on hold after landlords launched a legal challenge. Others have been forced to make amendments such as Portsmouth, and Great Yarmouth Council, which radically altered its selective licensing scheme conditions after a challenge by landlords.

Working

Councillor Gill Williams, cabinet member for housing, insists that it is working constructively with landlords, agents and tenants. “We have decided to pause the introduction of the scheme planned for 20 October while we review the next steps,” she explains. “This will give us time to ensure that any future implementation is built on the strongest possible foundations.

“We are grateful to the many landlords and agents who have engaged with us positively during the development of the scheme. Their feedback and participation will continue to inform our work to raise standards in the private rented sector.”

Engaged

The council adds that over recent months, it has engaged extensively with landlords and managing agents to explain the proposed scheme and listen to feedback. This included a programme of information and question-and-answer sessions, with the first online event attracting more than 40 landlords and agents.

The new scheme will cover an estimated 7,274 properties and cost landlords £740. It previously launched across four wards - Kemptown, Moulsecoomb & Bevendean, Queens Park, and Whitehawk & Brighton Marina - in 2024. The council plans to eventually cover all 13 areas of the city.

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