The National Landlords Association (NLA) has questioned Camden Council’s consultation process after the council admitted during a meeting that the decision to introduce a new landlord licensing scheme has already been made, despite the consultation not yet coming to an end.
The comments were made at a meeting held by Camden Council with landlord associations and organisations with vested interests, at Camden’s chic new council headquarters, to discuss the proposal for the borough–wide additional licensing scheme.
Councils’ budgets are continually being stretched and Camden Council has suggested the funds from the licensing scheme will help to pay for staff. This is in strict violation of licensing consent criteria set out in the Housing Act 2004 by Government.
Richard Blanco, NLA London representative, who attended the meeting, said:
“The meeting proved to be a tense and frustrating one and we are just astonished by the council’s approach to this consultation which is supposed to close on 28 November.
“It’s a farce. People who are genuinely concerned about the impact of this scheme have put in their precious time to ensure their views are heard, but sadly by the council’s own omission this is a waste of time, as they have already decided to introduce the scheme regardless of the consultation’s outcome.
“The Council was given a deservedly rough time by property organisation representatives that were present, and should be worried if someone seeks to pursue a judicial review.”
Richard Lambert, Chief Executive Officer, NLA said:
“It is unfortunate the council is not taking this issue seriously. The arguments they have put forward so far do not support the need to introduce licensing and it will not improve the standards of housing in the sector.
“It’s clearly a political move to get tenants in Camden onside. However, the inevitable result will be a ‘Tenant Tax’, as the increased cost of providing housing is passed on by landlords to tenants.
“Camden already has trouble with high rents so this is the last thing they want to happen. What’s more, it will alienate landlords considering investing in much needed housing in the area”.
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