Consultation period on selective licensing area begins today

Landlords of privately rented properties in the Hollins Bank area will require a licence if proposals are agreed, following a consultation process which requires input from anyone who lives or works in the borough.

Beginning today (7^th of May) and running to Friday 26^th of July, the consultation seeks views on the proposals which will affect landlords who rent private properties to tenants in the designated area.

The proposed area is just outside of the town centre and extends predominately across Ewood and Mill Hill & Moorgate wards, with a very small area of Blackburn central ward also included. The area covers some previously licensed locations in Infirmary and Griffin.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council understands how important it is for all homes in the borough to be safe, warm and affordable and this includes private rented housing. It wants to ensure that this sector provides the best possible properties and management services that it can. The council believes that selective licensing can help build safer and stronger communities and improve people’s health and well-being.

What is Selective Licensing

Part 3, section 80 of the Housing Act 2004 introduced powers to Local Authorities to implement a selective licensing scheme for part or whole of the borough to tackle neighbourhood decline areas and low housing demand. Our main aim is to transform the borough by utilising partnership and enforcement powers, working with landlords, agents, and tenants as well as Police. This will result in making the areas successful and well maintained. The Council is proposing to operate a selective licensing scheme in the designated area over a five-year period. Selective Licensing will benefit all who live, work, invest and visit the area.

How does licensing work

The proposed cost of the license in £724 for up to five years. Some of the conditions will stipulate that the licence holder has to provide:

• Valid tenancy agreements.
• Rent receipts.
• Safety certificates.
• References on tenants, before issuing a tenancy agreement.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council will monitor to ensure the conditions are being met.

If selective licensing is introduced, it would:

• Improve the management of the private rented stock in the area.
• Increase the value of properties in the selected area.
• Reduce the turnover of occupants to create sustainable communities.
• Reduce the number of vacant properties and the length of time they remain vacant.
• Reduce the levels of anti-social behaviour.
• Reduce the level of fly tipping.

Have your say

The consultation is open from Tuesday 7^th May to Friday 26^th July and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is dedicated to listening to tenants, residents, landlords and estate agents, local business and anyone impacted by these proposals. Your views are important to us. To find our more information and provide feedback you can:

• Visit the Council website: http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/selective-licensing
• Email us: comments@bwd-selective-licensing.info
• Call our freephone telephone number 0800 612 6698 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
• Attend in person drop-in session at the Ivy Street Community Centre, Ivy Close, Blackburn BB2 3RR on Thursday 30^th or Thursday 27^th June. Sessions run from 10am to 8pm and all are welcome to ask questions and provide feedback.
• Or visit the QR code –

Paper based copies of the consultation document are available with a pre-paid envelope. Just call our freephone number and ask for a copy to be sent to you.

You can write to us at: Blackburn with Darwen BC, Old Town Hall, King William St, Ewood Park, Blackburn. BB1 7DY