North Lincolnshire Council plans to introduce a selective licensing scheme in Scunthorpe to improve housing standards and protect communities from rogue landlords and anti-social tenants.

Its proposed scheme would cover part of the Crosby & Park, Town and Frodingham wards - an estimated 1,505 private sector rented properties.

A council report explains that in 2017 it was agreed the authority would consider introducing a selective licensing scheme in parts of the Crosby & Park and Town wards of Scunthorpe. However, it decided to trial a variety of alternative interventions beforehand, such as a voluntary landlord accreditation scheme to try and resolve any issues.

“Over the past six years these alternative interventions have had limited impact. Poor housing, high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour continue to negatively impact communities in parts of Crosby & Park and Town and these negative outcomes have extended to the Frodingham ward,” it adds.

Combat

“A selective licensing scheme in these areas is now necessary to combat the significant and persistent issues and this additional tool will form one further element of a wider partnership approach to improve the social, economic, and environmental conditions in these specific geographical areas.”

Councillor Richard Hannigan, deputy leader, adults, health, families and communities, says:

“The aim of the council through this proposal is to enable better management and enforcement of key issues impacting on our communities by tackling head on those landlords that are not acting responsibly within North Lincolnshire.”

A consultation - including drop-in sessions for landlords - ends on 17th May and if approved, the scheme will launch in August.