Salford City Council have approved a five-year selective licensing scheme across the Broughton and Kersal and Broughton Park wards.
Selective licensing requires landlords to obtain a license to rent out their properties. This scheme aims to improve an area by giving the local authorities more power to address issues such as low housing demand, anti-social behaviour and poor property conditions.
The council’s reasons for this scheme in Broughton, Kersal and Broughton Park are environmental complaints, an increase in antisocial behaviour and a low demand for housing. It will aim to improve the quality of 1,300 privately rented houses in the area.
Councillor Tracy Kelly, Deputy City Mayor and Lead member for Housing and Anti-Poverty at Salford City Council, said: “Nobody should have to live in a rented property that is full of damp and mould and the Selective Licensing Scheme that we have agreed enables us to hold landlords to account.
“We will continue to work with landlords and local people to make this city a better, more inclusive and fairer place for all.”
According to Councillor Saunders of Kersal and Broughton Park, selective licensing would mean more regulation to protect tenants, yet make fewer properties available for landlords.
However, he is against the decision for licensing. He said, “There’s actually a high demand. Properties in Kersal and Broughton Park are highly sought after.”
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) state that they “strongly disagree that additional licensing is the most effective approach” to achieve a high-quality privately rented sector.
A 12-week consultation led to 67 responses to the council. It showed that some residents disagreed with the decision on licensing.
One respondent to the survey said: “Implementing this policy would be both unnecessary and detrimental to the local community.”
“The cost of implementing selective licensing will ultimately be passed onto tenants in the form of higher rents.”
Another posted the comment: “It makes no sense to call (Kings Square and Broughton Green) low demand.
“When King Square was constructed, the developers said, they never had a development sell so fast, like hot cakes. In the relatively short period since, they have tripled in value.”
A previous selective licensing scheme was implemented from 2016 until 2021. Council officers found this scheme had a positive impact on issues including increasing property values and average rent levels
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