Liverpool Council is weighing up the pros and cons of three potential selective licensing schemes which would impact city landlords next year.

It is consulting on a citywide scheme (64 wards) to tackle issues linked to low housing demand and provide consistent standards, a deprivation-based scheme (29 wards) focusing on areas experiencing some of the highest levels of deprivation, and a poor property conditions scheme (26 wards) targeting areas with higher concentrations of private rented housing and evidence of poorer housing conditions and disrepair.

It currently costs £704 for a full licence while the council proposes a new £995 fee with a £308 discount for licence renewal, new property and early bird applications.

Liverpool’s current scheme, which ends in March 2027, covers 16 wards, while its first scheme, introduced in 2015, covered all 30 wards that existed at the time - before a boundary review increased the number to 64. It reports that although these have positively influenced the PRS in Liverpool, substantial challenges persist within the sector.

Launched

Since the current scheme launched in April 2022, it has received more than 56,000 licence applications and granted more than 48,000 licences. More than 19,000 inspections have been carried out, uncovering at least 3,500 housing hazards and leading to more than 1,100 enforcement notices, it reports.

However, the council’s evidence suggests challenges remain in parts of the city, including poor housing conditions, anti-social behaviour, deprivation and neighbourhood decline.

Objective

“A key objective of the scheme was to get a foot over the door and inspect properties. Inspections revealed that many licence holders misunderstood legal standards and landlord duties," says a report. "Despite their belief in being ‘good’ landlords, numerous properties were poorly maintained and, in some cases, hazardous enough to require council enforcement or closure.”

It believes the city needs licensing for at least another five years and adds: “Through comprehensive inspections, proactive enforcement, and mandatory licence conditions, the scheme will raise overall PRS standards, reduce vacant and poorly managed homes, and help stabilise high‑turnover areas which contribute to depressed demand.”

The 10-week consultation closes on 5th October.

‍