Extend Liverpool's city-wide Landlord Licensing Scheme for another five years

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick

Government Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has rejected an application to extend Liverpool’s pioneering city-wide Landlord Licensing scheme for another five years.

The scheme requires all private landlords to obtain a licence for their rented properties, prove they are 'fit and proper', ensure they meet fire and gas safety standards and be in a good state of repair.

It has been instrumental in clamping down on dodgy landlords and driving up living conditions for the city's private renters. It is backed by Merseyside Police and the fire service. Since 2015:
- 70% of inspected properties in Liverpool have been found to be in breach of their licence condition
- 25,000 compliance actions have been taken
- 2,500 legal and fixed penalty notices have been served
- 250 landlords have been prosecuted

There is a stark power imbalance in the UK between landlords and tenants. Many renters are forced to hand over a third of their income in return for precarious and unsafe living conditions.This Scheme represents a step towards addressing that imbalance.

The Conservative Government are clearly frightened that the success of the scheme will shine a light on the failings of our private rental sector and the capacity for a council to do something about it. This shameful decision forms part of a long pattern of Conservative Governments denying Liverpool the opportunity to improve the lives of its residents.

We call upon Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick to reconsider his decision to scrap Liverpool's Landlord Licensing Scheme and the impact it will have on the lives of Liverpool's most vulnerable residents.

Acorn is a community-based union fighting for the rights of renters. We have organised a General Meeting to launch our campaign to ‘Save Landlord Licensing in Liverpool’ on Thursday 30th January 19:30-20:30 at the Casa Bar, 29 Hope Street, L1 9BQ Liverpool. Be part of the fight back: https://www.facebook.com/events/977278832640627/

Acorn will not stand by as this government removes our hard won rights. Join via the link: https://acorntheunion.org.uk/join/

#HomesNotAssets


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To: Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick
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Government Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has rejected an application to extend Liverpool’s pioneering city-wide Landlord Licensing scheme for another five years.

The scheme requires all private landlords to obtain a licence for their rented properties, prove they are 'fit and proper', ensure they meet fire and gas safety standards and be in a good state of repair.

It has been instrumental in clamping down on dodgy landlords and driving up living conditions for the city's private renters. It is backed by Merseyside Police and the fire service. Since 2015:
- 70% of inspected properties in Liverpool have been found to be in breach of their licence condition
- 25,000 compliance actions have been taken
- 2,500 legal and fixed penalty notices have been served
- 250 landlords have been prosecuted

There is a stark power imbalance in the UK between landlords and tenants. Many renters are forced to hand over a third of their income in return for precarious and unsafe living conditions.This Scheme represents a step towards addressing that imbalance.

The Conservative Government are clearly frightened that the success of the scheme will shine a light on the failings of our private rental sector and the capacity for a council to do something about it. This shameful decision forms part of a long pattern of Conservative Governments denying Liverpool the opportunity to improve the lives of its residents.

We call upon Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick to reconsider his decision to scrap Liverpool's Landlord Licensing Scheme and the impact it will have on the lives of Liverpool's most vulnerable residents.

Acorn is a community-based union fighting for the rights of renters. We have organised a General Meeting to launch our campaign to ‘Save Landlord Licensing in Liverpool’ on Thursday 30th January 19:30-20:30 at the Casa Bar, 29 Hope Street, L1 9BQ Liverpool. Be part of the fight back: https://www.facebook.com/events/977278832640627/

Acorn will not stand by as this government removes our hard won rights. Join via the link: https://acorntheunion.org.uk/join/

#HomesNotAssets