Salford Council is to launch a consultation into reviving one of its selective licencing schemes - offering landlords slightly cheaper licences than eight years ago.

The city already has a scheme in Langworthy, Weaste and Seedley and another in Eccles, Barton and Winton and now wants a third in parts of Broughton and Kersal & Broughton Park wards – covering about 1,340 properties - which was subject to a previous scheme from 2016 to 2021.

It proposes to charge £609, down on the £625 charged in 2016. A report explains that while upgrading this fee in line with national inflation would put the cost at £816, the council has managed to increase efficiency and reduce operating costs, such as moving the process online since then.

As well as offering early-bird reductions, it says it recognises the current economic climate for landlords and is willing to consider longer payment terms.

Compliance

A total of 1,163 licences were issued under the previous scheme and 963 invitations were sent to licence holders requiring them to attend an interview for non-compliance, resulting in prosecution fines totalling £7,860.

A council report says progress has been made on increasing property values, and a reduction in turnover and increasing average rent levels, however, the proposed area has a high proportion of privately rented properties, creating an unbalanced tenure mix on the local housing market.

Councillor Tracy Kelly (pictured), lead member for housing and anti-poverty, says: “Our aim is to make sure that local people have access to well-managed, affordable homes and that rogue landlords have no place in the area. This all links in with our commitment to create a fairer and more inclusive city for local people.”

The consultation runs from 17th July to 25th September.