A group of disgruntled landlords in Scunthorpe has succeeded in halting its new selective licensing scheme.

The Council of Crosby Landlords has sought a judicial review into whether North Lincolnshire Council followed due process when establishing the scheme, which includes 1,230 private rented homes in parts of Crosby and Park, and Town wards, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It was due to launch on March 20, but a council webpage notice advises that further applications are on hold.

It explains: “The launch date for the selective licensing scheme has been delayed. We will release the new date as soon as it is available.”

Licence cost of £955

Licences are set to cost £955 for the five-year scheme, which was approved after the council reported that voluntary interventions had had limited impact, and that poor housing, high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour continued to negatively impact communities in the town.

It says a selective licensing scheme is now necessary to combat "significant and persistent issues".

The Grimsby Telegraph has previously reported that more than 50 landlords claim to have been “unfairly demonised” by the council.

The Council of Crosby Landlords believes it is unfair to judge an entire community by the action of a few rogue landlords and highlights limited public support, scepticism over the scheme’s effectiveness, and concerns regarding fees.

It added that 51% of the 202 Crosby and Park, and Town wards residents surveyed by the council did not support it, as well as 93% of private landlords.

The landlord group said: “We cannot be held accountable for the actions of those who live in our properties…how can landlords eliminate street drinking, fighting, drug use, alcoholism. Isn’t that the job of the council and police?”

LandlordZONE has approached North Lincolnshire Council for comment.

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