A HIGH Court judge has refused permission for a judicial review into Thurrock Council’s new selective licensing scheme aimed at tackling rogue landlords report the Local Democracy Reporter
Announcing the decision at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, council leader Lynn Worrall said the ruling meant the authority could now resume implementing the scheme, which has been on hold for several weeks due to an interim injunction.
She said: “We are pleased to announce that the High Court judge has decided to refuse permission for the judicial review of the council’s selective licensing policy. The judge also decided that the council can recommence implementation of the scheme, and we will be in contact with landlords about when this will take place, including any new deadlines.
“We were confident that the High Court would agree with the council’s legal position, and we’re just sorry that the claim has led unnecessarily to a lengthy period of uncertainty for both landlords and tenants. We are pleased to move forward with this important scheme that will make a real difference to tenants, encourage good landlords and improve the lives of people living close to private rented properties.”
The scheme—similar to one operating in Southend—requires landlords in designated areas to obtain a five year licence costing £1,034.
It is designed to drive up housing standards, reduce anti social behaviour and target the small minority of landlords failing to meet legal obligations.
Thurrock Council expects more than 15,000 privately rented homes across 16 wards to fall within the licensing areas, while four wards were excluded for not meeting statutory thresholds.
The initiative has faced strong opposition from parts of the borough’s landlord community.
Earlier this month, Montana Property Development Co. Ltd director Stephen Boyling, one of Tilbury’s largest private rental providers, criticised the council for what he described as “a complete lack of communication, transparency and adherence to government guidelines” during the scheme’s development.
Mr Boyling, who lodged an official complaint last year that the council later rejected, sought assurances that the scheme would not be implemented while the court considered whether to grant a judicial review.
In response, Lynda Heath, cabinet member for public protection, insisted the scheme was both lawful and essential for improving housing conditions. “The council is rightly proud of its selective licensing scheme,” she said.
“A challenge has been brought, but we will be robustly defending it.”
With the court now refusing the challenge, the council will restart the application process, and fees already paid will remain valid.
