THURROCK Council has insisted it will “robustly defend” its new selective licensing scheme which has been halted pending a possible judicial review over claims of inadequate consultation reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
The scheme, introduced earlier this month, requires landlords in designated areas to apply for a licence—costing £1,034 for five years—with the aim of driving up housing standards and tackling rogue landlords. Enforcement powers allow the council to revoke licences where properties fail to meet minimum standards.
The scheme is now the subject of an injunction while a decision is made on a judicial review.
At a full council meeting on Wednesday, Stephen Boyling, director of Montana Property Development Co. Ltd, one of Tilbury’s largest private rental providers, criticised the rollout of the scheme and sought assurances it would not be implemented pending the legal review.
Mr Boyling said: “As a major provider of privately rented properties in the borough, I was appalled at the complete lack of communication, transparency and adherence to government guidelines leading up to the introduction of the scheme. Attempts by managers to justify their decisions have only resulted in further serious questions.”
Mr Boyling, who filed an official complaint last year, which the council rejected in November, asked whether the licensing scheme would now be halted “forthwith” pending the review.
In response, Cllr Lynda Heath, cabinet member for public protection, said the scheme was lawful, properly consulted on, and essential for improving conditions for thousands of tenants.
“The council is rightly proud of its selective licensing scheme,” she said. “A challenge has been brought, but we will be robustly defending it and have applied to set aside the interim injunction.”
She stressed that the High Court had issued no ruling on whether the scheme is lawful. “The court has not made any criticism of the council,” she added.
Under the court order, the application process is currently suspended, and any fees already paid are being held securely pending the judge’s decision on whether the case can proceed to a judicial review. A further update will be issued once the court rules.
Thurrock’s scheme—similar to one operating in Southend—covers 16 wards across the borough and is expected to licence more than 15,000 private rented homes. Four wards were excluded for not meeting legal thresholds.
Ms Heath said the council’s priorities remain “improving housing standards, supporting responsible landlords and safeguarding tenants across the borough.”
