PROPOSED SELECTIVE LICENSING SCHEME

From: "Hannah Thorpe" <Hannah.Thorpe@thanet.gov.uk>
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2010 10:44 AM
Subject: PROPOSED SELECTIVE LICENSING SCHEME

Local people are being asked for their views on a proposal to introduce
a new licensing scheme for privately rented accommodation in parts of
Margate Central and Cliftonville West.

The new selective licensing scheme is being proposed to help tackle the
high levels of problems in the area, such as anti-social behaviour,
crime, fires and empty properties.

Under the new scheme, landlords in the designated area would be
required to apply for a licence for every privately rented flat, house
or room in order to continue to operate in the area.  The licence will
contain a series of conditions that the property owner will be required
to comply with relating to the management of the property, fire safety
and anti-social behaviour.  Landlords who own more than one property in
the designated area would need to apply for a licence for each of the
units of accommodation they rent out.  There would be a charge of £525
per licence which landlords would be required to cover.

In other places where this type of scheme has been introduced,
landlords have seen improvements such as less damage to properties,
reduced management costs and a slower turnover of tenants.  It is also
anticipated that in the longer term as well as improving the image of
the area and helping to improve the condition of housing, possible
benefits could also include the possible rise in rent and property
values.

Before adopting this scheme, the council is encouraging tenants,
landlords and residents in the area to have their say on the proposal.
Everyone living in the area will be contacted by letter with details
about the scheme and with information on how to take part, including a
short tear out survey.  A survey is also available to complete online by
visiting www.thanet.gov.uk, or any additional comments can be submitted
in writing either to hannah.thorpe@thanet.gov.uk or free of charge to
Selective Licensing Consultation, FREEPOST SEA 82 73, Thanet District
Council, Margate CT9 1XZ.

Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "The
council is fully aware of the problems that exist in these two wards and
we're committed to doing everything we can to tackle them. One of the
biggest issues for many years has been the huge supply in this area of
privately rented housing. Bringing in a licensing scheme for these
properties will help to ensure better regulation and could help to
achieve some significant improvements in the area.  Before adopting the
scheme though it is important that local people have an opportunity to
tell us what they think of the proposals. I'd like to encourage anyone
who has a view, to make sure they take part in the consultation."

Local people have until Monday 15 November to submit their comments.  A
full copy of the proposal can be viewed online or by calling in to
Thanet's Gateway Plus.

ENDS

To view all of the online details please go to:
http://www.thanet.gov.uk/council__democracy/consultation/selective_licensing.aspx
or you can find this via the front page of TDC's website (under Have
your say).

Hannah Thorpe
Corporate Communications and Marketing Officer
Thanet District Council
www.thanet.gov.uk
Direct Dial: 01843 577120
Fax: 01843 296866