Landlords have reacted with anger to the news that local authorities have been given carte blanche to introduce licensing schemes within their areas. Landlords are concerned that authorities may introduce licensing schemes without undertaking sufficient consultation with them and other stakeholders, and may view the licensing of landlords as an easy way to boost their revenues. Following an announcement made by the Department for Communities and Local Government on 1 April, the current requirement for local authorities to seek the permission of the Secretary of State before introducing licensing schemes is to be removed. Landlords had previously viewed this requirement to be a good check in the system as it forced authorities to engage with CLG before introducing licensing schemes. The result was that authorities were fully informed of their obligations before introducing licensing schemes.
Read the full report at: http://www.bpf.org.uk/newsroom/pressreleases/document/23891/landlords-dismayed-at-changes-to-licensing-powers-for-local-authorities
Sunday