Hastings Borough Council waiting on government as private rented housing licensing scheme delayed

With one month to go until the end of the 2015 selective licensing scheme, Hastings Borough Council has still not received confirmation from the government on its proposed new selective licensing scheme that was consulted on back in 2019.

Due to delays caused by COVID-19, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have not been able to review the council's submission for a new scheme in time for its introduction following the completion of the existing 2015 scheme.

The council have to wait three months before any new scheme can begin following confirmation from MHCLG. As a result, the council can confirm that when the 2015 Selective Licensing Scheme ends on the 24 October 2020, no new scheme will be introduced to replace it until sometime in 2021.

Landlords are encouraged to continue to prepare for a new licensing scheme by ensuring they continue to comply with the licence conditions on their existing licences. Once more information is received from the MHCLG further announcements on the start of a new scheme will be made.

Cllr Andy Batsford, lead councillor for housing and homelessness, said

"It is regrettable that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have not been able to review the proposals for the new Selective Licensing Scheme in sufficient time for the council to introduce our new scheme immediately following the end of the old scheme. This not only leaves tenants without the protection from rogue landlords that licensing provides but also leaves the majority of landlords who provide good, safe secure, warm accommodation in Hastings in limbo."