WIREDGOV

A selective licensing scheme will come into force in Wirral on 1st July this year after plans were given the go ahead at a Council cabinet meeting last month.

The designation will cover six areas within the local authority including Birkenhead South, Egerton North, Egremont Promenade South and Seacombe Library, Egremont South and Tranmere Lairds.

The Scheme will come into effect on 1st July 2020 and will last for 5 years.  It will require landlords who privately rent out properties in the designated areas to obtain a licence from the Council.  

Landlords who already have a licence for a property in one of the four areas that is to be re-designated will be required to obtain a new licence as this expires on 30th June 2020.

Read the RLA’s response to the consultation

Wirral Council ran a consultation on plans to renew the scheme last year. In the RLA’s response to this consultation, the association opposed the scheme, highlighting that the Council already has the necessary tools to tackle poor housing management, granted to them under the Housing and Planning Act 2016 and the Housing Act 2004. This includes the ability to issue civil penalty notices and banning orders.

Rather than introducing bureaucratic licensing schemes, the response stated that the Council should make full use of the powers already available to them. The response also highlighted concerns about the fee structure.

How to apply for a licence

For more information about the designated areas and to apply for a licence, click here.