Councillors in Great Yarmouth are being urged to approve a major new licensing scheme covering 5,000 privately rented homes, in a bid to tackle poor housing conditions across the town.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council says the expanded scheme – which introduces tougher inspections and wider enforcement powers – would apply across the wards of Nelson, Central and Northgate, Southtown and Cobholm, and Yarmouth North.
It would replace the existing programme covering just 1,500 properties, a scheme landlords have long criticised as costly and ineffective.
The council, where no party holds overall control, is set to vote on the proposal on 2 December. If approved, the new licensing regime could come into force next year, marking a significant escalation in efforts to raise housing standards.
Paul Wells, a Conservative councillor and portfolio holder for licensing, said: ”We would [if the scheme is approved] be able to systematically inspect properties to make sure things like gas and electric certification are up to date, rather than simply reacting to complaints as we currently do.”
”Where necessary, we could refuse to issue a licence and hold people accountable,” he added.
