Selective licensing
On 11 December 2018 the secretary of state approved the introduction of selective licensing in the central area.
This means that any property that is rented out within the private rented sector will require a licence.
The scheme begins on 26 March 2019. Apply before 26 July 2019 to receive a discount of £100 off the licence fee.
Applications must be submitted by 26 October 2019 to avoid prosecution for failure to license.
Before applying
Before you apply please check if your property meets the Blackpool Standard.
When you apply you will be asked to provide details about the following:
- The proposed licence holder
- The proposed manager or managing agent
- The property
You will also be asked to make an initial payment to complete the process and submit your application.
Additional licensing
On 4 April 2016, following consultation, Blackpool Council designated the Central Area as an additional licensing scheme which came into effect on 4 July 2016. This requires all privately rented Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) located within the designated area to be licensed.
Additional licensing will operate alongside the existing mandatory licensing scheme already in operation throughout Blackpool. The designation will last 5 years and can be revoked earlier if the council sees fit.
The designated area
The central area includes the town centre, Talbot / Brunswick, Raikes, Revoe, and St Heliers areas, a list names can be found here.
This proposal follows the successful introduction of similar schemes in the neighbouring areas of South Beach and Claremont.
It seeks to help address high levels of anti-social behaviour associated with poor quality private rented accommodation.
The private rented sector is a vital part of the housing market in Blackpool and many landlords try to provide decent well-managed accommodation.
We want to support landlords to overcome the current problems in the central area and help to improve the area in which local people live and work. Further details of the scheme can found here Central area additional licensing proposal. The consultation summary along with Blackpool Council's response can be found here Consultation summary and Blackpool Council response [PDF 997KB]
Applying for an additional licence
Fees cover costs for delivering and managing a licensing scheme. Any shortfall is subsidised by the council to ensure the scheme is effectively delivered (see below).
South Beach
Total fees and charges income - £723,973
Total overspend - £61,564
Claremont
Total fees and charges income - £845,868
Total overspend - £44,143
A key element of the licensing scheme is the comprehensive inspection programme which enables the council to identify properties which fall below standards as defined by the housing health and safety rating system, and offer advice and support to landlords on how they can improve standards.
We also offer tenants advice and support and where necessary signpost vulnerable tenants to appropriate agencies.
Licence fees are also used to employ a dedicated antisocial behaviour officer whose role is to offer advice and to support landlords when tackling ASB from their tenants.
Contact us
Should you have any further questions then please contact us by:
Email: housing.licensing@blackpool.gov.uk
Telephone: 01253 476841