Landlords in Preston could soon have to pay £1,050 for a selective licence - but the city council wants their views on whether to allow discounts.

The proposed scheme - in central and inner urban wards, City Centre, Plungington and St Matthew’s – wouldn't allow for any reductions but a consultation is asking whether the fee and payment arrangements are reasonable.

The authority insists it’s keen to take landlords’ views into account and wants to improve housing standards while “avoiding unnecessary burdens on responsible landlords”. It adds that it realises some might be concerned about potential overlap between the proposed scheme and the national Private Rented Sector Database.

“As the government has yet to confirm the full details and implementation timetable for the database, the council will take these developments into account when considering the outcomes of the consultation,” it promises.

Stock

In 2001, private renting accounted for 8% of Preston’s housing stock. By 2021, this had increased to 22.4%, above the national average, according to the authority.

The three wards proposed for the scheme have high levels of private renting, substantial numbers of older homes, significant tenant complaint volumes, evidence of serious housing hazards, and high levels of deprivation and vulnerability. It says these factors create a heightened risk environment for tenants and place additional pressure on local services and neighbourhoods. Selective licensing would allow the council to take a more proactive approach.

Reassure

Councillor Zafar Coupland, cabinet member for health and wellbeing (pictured), adds: “I want to reassure responsible landlords that this scheme is not designed to penalise those who already provide safe, well-managed homes and work positively with their tenants. In fact, responsible landlords stand to benefit from a level playing field that helps tackle poor practice where it exists.”

Earlier this year, Preston Council voted to bring in a new non-immediate Article 4 Direction covering the city’s main urban area, which would take effect in February 2027. Meanwhile, fellow North West council Liverpool announced plans to relaunch selective licensing this week.

Preston’s consultation closes on 11th October.

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