LOCAL MP WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITIES WITH HIGH LEVELS OF PRIVATE LANDLORDS AFTER CAMPAIGN
Posted by Phil Wilson, MP for Sedgefield, at 13:40, Mon 8 February 2010:
MP Phil Wilson, has welcomed the Government’s announcement today on the extension of selective licensing where landlords do not maintain or manage their properties properly. Two schemes already exist in Chilton and Deanbank in Phil Wilson’s constituency of Sedgefield. The MP has received requests from constituents for the scheme to be extended to their area.
Selective licensing means that landlords have to abide by certain conditions and standards. The existing schemes are working and can only happen with the say so of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. The Department is to consult on making the decision a general consent for councils so councils can introduce a scheme in an area of their local authority or cover the whole of the local authority itself once the case has been made for its introduction.
Today’s announcement also confirmed that the Housing Minister John Healey MP is to start work on a National Registration Scheme which will cover every private landlord.
The announcement comes after Phil Wilson raised the problem with some private landlords in Parliament and held several meetings with the Housing Minister along with other Parliamentarians. In areas such as Trimdon Station, Deanbank and Chilton some streets have 50% of properties are private lets with problems with nuisance neighbours and unkempt premises. Over half of the landlords are absentee, with some living abroad.
MP Phil Wilson said: “The Government’s announcement is excellent news for my constituents who find themselves living in areas where there is a large number of private landlords. Some landlords are good, but some are bad. The rogue landlords should be removed from our communities. These new initiatives will help local authorities do that.
The National Registration Scheme for private landlords will help keep tabs on landlords, help tents and provide information and advice to landlords. The general consent awarded to councils will allow them to introduce selective licensing schemes much more quickly if they are needed.”
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