The Labour administration at Westminster City Council is taking bold action to improve living conditions for thousands of renters by introducing a new Selective Licensing Scheme across much of the borough.

This initiative underlines Labour’s commitment to fairness, safety, and dignity for all residents – particularly those in the private rented sector, where too many homes have fallen below acceptable standards for too long.

Covering fifteen of Westminster’s eighteen wards, the scheme will apply to all privately rented properties, excluding properties already subject to Houses in Multiple Occupation licensing and those let by registered social landlords. This targeted approach will crack down on rogue landlords, tackle poor housing conditions, and help reduce anti-social behaviour in affected areas.

The Labour-led Council undertook a comprehensive statutory consultation, engaging directly with landlords, tenants and local communities to ensure the scheme reflects the real concerns and experiences of Westminster residents. An independent consultancy conducted outreach and analysis to ensure that the voices of local people informed the final decision.

After a detailed review of the evidence and feedback, the Council concluded that intervention in 15 wards was necessary to raise standards and bring stability to the private rented sector, another example of Labour delivering real improvements for people in Westminster.

Councillor Matt Noble, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, said: “This is about Labour standing up for renters, ensuring that our residents in Westminster have access to decent, safe and secure housing. We’re raising standards and protecting good landlords, while holding bad ones to account. That’s what a Fairer Westminster looks like under Labour.”

The Council will soon formally designate the selective licensing areas, with full details, including the start date and how landlords can apply, set to be published in due course.

Background

• The Scheme will be rolled out over two ‘designations’.
• Designation 1 consists of eight wards experiencing high levels of poor housing conditions – Abbey Road, Church Street, Harrow Road, Knightsbridge and Belgravia, Little Venice, Maida Vale, Queen’s Park and Westbourne.
• Designation 2 consists of seven wards experiencing both high levels of poor housing conditions and significant and persistent problems caused by anti-social behaviour  – Bayswater, Hyde Park, Lancaster Gate, Marylebone, Pimlico North, Regent’s Park and West End.
• The Selective Licensing Scheme excludes properties already licensed under Westminster’s existing HMO schemes. Other exemptions also apply, including properties managed by Registered Providers of Social Housing.
• The scheme is part of Westminster’s broader Private Rented Sector Strategy.
• Licensing will enable the council to require landlords to meet basic housing standards, with enforcement powers for non-compliance.
• Incentives will apply to landlords of well managed properties including fee discounts for accredited landlords and for the most energy efficient properties.
• For more on what Selective Licensing can do see here: Selective licensing in the private rented sector: a guide for local authorities – GOV.UK

Photo by David King under Creative Commons