A ten week public consultation on selective licensing of private housing in the central area of town is now open, covering the eight key wards of Bloomfield, Brunswick, Claremont, Talbot, Tyldesley, Warbreck, Waterloo and Victoria. Which totals approximately 11,000 privately rented properties.

Blackpool Council has recognised for a long time the intrinsic link between poor quality private rented accommodation and deprivation. The proposed areas have been selected due to high levels of deprivation combined with a high ratio of privately rented properties.

Under selective licensing, every house, flat or room that is used as private rented accommodation within the designated area would require a licence.

Selective licensing aims to improve standards in the area by addressing the poor management of some private landlords and the poor property conditions that they offer.

The scheme would require all landlords within the designated area to adhere to strict guidelines around management of properties, and providing a good standard of living conditions.

Before finalising the scheme, the council wants to give all tenants, landlords, managing agents and residents in the area the opportunity to comment on the proposal.

Consultation begins on Monday 30 October and will run for 10 weeks until 7 January 2024. Following consultation the selective licensing scheme will also need to go to the Secretary of State for approval.

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

Give your view on the scheme.

Copies of the proposal will also be available to view at Bickerstaffe House and at reception in the Municipal Buildings, Corporation Street.