Great Yarmouth has revealed the likely start date and fees for a new selective licensing scheme that would cover about 5,000 rental homes in the town - but admitted it is likely to push up rents.
If it goes ahead, the scheme will apply across the Nelson, Southtown and Cobholm, and Central and Northgate wards - about 60% of the borough’s privately rented properties which are prone to poor housing conditions and high levels of deprivation.
A new council report explains that a previous selective licensing scheme covering most of Nelson ward until January 2024 licensed 1,553 private rented homes. It admits that while “considerable improvements” were made to these properties and overall standards improved, in many cases they were not maintained between inspections.
If introduced – potentially on 2nd March 2026 - landlords would be charged a licence fee of £784. However, the council won’t offer an early bird discount or for those who are members of a professional body or landlord association.
It adds that rents could increase as a result a new scheme, but that if the entire cost of the licence fee is passed on to tenants, this would be £12-20 per month.
Councillor Paul Wells (pictured), portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, waste and licensing, says selective licensing would help improve standards and ensure properties are managed properly.
“Some privately rented properties are in a poor condition, and we are determined to improve standards,” he adds. “This scheme would allow us to better tackle health hazards and overcrowding by allowing the council to systematically inspect properties to make sure things like gas and electric certification are up to date, rather than simply reacting to complaints as we currently do.”
A consultation - which runs until 1st September – includes drop-in sessions at the town hall on 25th June from 2-4pm, 16th July from 5.30-7.30pm and 12th August from 5.30-7.30pm.
There is also an online focus group for landlords and agents on 8th August from 12.30-1.30pm (email slicence@great-yarmouth.gov.uk), while the online survey is at https://have-your-say.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/selective-licensing-consultation.
Picture credit: Google Streetview
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