Recently, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has criticised councils for using licensing schemes to generate income rather than improve the private rented sector. This follows a number of complaints from tenants and landlords who felt that their local council was not using the licensing scheme to improve the sector, but instead to generate income.
The LGSCO found that some councils were using licensing schemes as a way to generate income, rather than to improve the private rented sector. This was done by charging landlords for licences, regardless of whether or not they met the standards set out in the scheme. The LGSCO also found that some councils were not providing adequate support to landlords to help them meet the standards set out in the scheme.
The LGSCO has made a number of recommendations to councils, including that they should ensure that any licensing scheme is used to improve the sector, rather than generate income. They also recommend that councils should provide adequate support and advice to landlords to help them meet the standards set out in the scheme.
The LGSCO’s findings are a reminder that councils should be using licensing schemes to improve the private rented sector, rather than just as a way to generate income. It is important that councils provide adequate support and advice to landlords, so that they can meet the standards set out in the scheme. This will ensure that tenants have access to safe and secure housing, and that landlords are able to provide quality housing for their tenants.
In conclusion, it is clear that councils should be using licensing schemes to improve the private rented sector, rather than just as a way to generate income. The LGSCO’s findings should serve as a reminder to councils that they should be providing adequate support and advice to landlords, so that they can meet the standards set out in the scheme. This will ensure that tenants have access to safe and secure housing, and that landlords are able to provide quality housing for their tenants.