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Harrow Council are consulting on plans to extend selective licensing scheme
Harrow Council are consulting on plans to introduce a third selective licensing scheme as part of plans to tackle badly managed and poorly maintained properties which they believe are linked to issues of anti-social behaviour.
The council already operate two selective licensing schemes, the first of which was introduced in the Edgeware ward on 7 December 2015. A second selective licensing scheme was introduced in the Wealdstone ward on 1 June 2016.
The council also operate a borough wide additional licensing scheme that extends licensing to all Houses in Multiple Occupation including house or flat-shares with three of more people who are not all related.
Roxbourne and Roxeth selective licensing consultation underway
The latest consultation which started on 23 January 2017 seeks feedback on plans to introduce selective licensing in the Roxbourne and Roxeth wards in the south of the borough. If the scheme is introduced, all private rented properties in those areas would need licensing by the council, even if rented to a single family, couple of singe person.
According to the council, the latest census data shows the private rented sector in Roxeth comprises 22.5% of the housing stock and in Roxbourne it comprises 23.69%. Research conducted by the council shows high and increasing levels of crime and disorder, especially anti-social behaviour. Just under a third of properties suffer from multiple deprivation indicators, and over 48% of the population in these wards are from outside the UK.
A council spokesperson told London Property Licensing that the extension of selective licensing into these two areas would not require government approval as the overall area subject to selective licensing would remain at below 20%.
Harrow Council say that the licensing scheme would enable them to ensure that fire safety standards, basic amenities and general management of rented properties are being met. The council say they want to improve the area to make it attractive for people to want to live, work and invest in the area.
The proposed application fee has been set at £550 per property for up to a 5 year licence.
The consultation exercise closes on Friday 28 April 2017 and so all interested parties be they residents, tenants, landlords or letting agents are being encouraged to take part as soon as possible. You can find out more, see a map of the area and take part in the consultation by visiting the council’s website.
More information about property licensing schemes in Harrow is available at www.londonpropertylicensing.co.uk/harrow.
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