Landlords in Grimbsy are being asked for their views on a new selective licensing scheme for parts of the East Marsh ward after a voluntary scheme was earlier labelled a 'waste of time'.

North East Lincolnshire Council aims to improve housing standards in privately rented homes, as well as reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

East Marsh is in the top 1% of most deprived wards in the country; life expectancy is the lowest in the borough, and it has the highest crime rate.

The authority says it also has some of the highest concentrations of private rented accommodation, high levels of anti-social behaviour, poor property conditions, and frequent reports of nuisance noise and fly-tipping.

The scheme would cover 3,961 properties from Columbia Road to the A180 Cleethorpe Road, and between Victor Street and Park Street. The licence fee will be in the region of £899-£1,284.

Challenges

Councillor Nicola Aisthorpe (main image), chair of the cabinet working party on selective licensing, says significant challenges persist in the PRS, where many homes suffer from appalling conditions, such as severe damp, mould-infested walls, inadequate heating, and hazards that threaten tenants’ safety.

“The scheme aims to create a partnership between landlords, tenants, and the council to improve housing standards and provide better rental opportunities. It also seeks to address any harmful practices,” she adds.

The council is also considering creating a proposed voluntary landlord initiative - ‘areas of action’ - in parts of Sidney Sussex and Heneage Wards to motivate landlords to work more closely with the council and bring their properties up to standard. However, some councillors have labelled this “a waste of time”.

The public consultation will run until 7th April and includes landlord drop-in sessions on 21st February at the town hall, 13th March at Doughty Learning Centre, and an on-line session on 17th February at 5.30-7pm.